New lighting programme in the works

The Ministry of Transport and Works is piloting a new solar-powered street lighting programme to address the growing demand for better illumination across the island.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw revealed that the government has received 430 solar lamps and poles, donated by the People’s Republic of China.

 

“I would also have mentioned . . . the donation of solar lights that has been received. The first batch has been received from the People’s Republic of China, and the second batch is currently in the Port. It is our intention as a government to also once these lights work for the purpose of what we have intended to explore with the Chinese government, the possibility of being able to procure additional lights that will actually help us to light our communities,” Bradshaw told fellow parliamentarians during debate on the Appropriation Bill 2025.

 

“So, we are in the pilot phase of the lights—the 430 solar lamps and poles that have been donated graciously by the People’s Republic of China. But the second phase is to ensure that if these work, they may actually hold the solution to helping us accelerate the constant requests we get to light poorly lit communities and certainly our city centre areas,” the minister explained after Member of Parliament for the St Michael East Trevor Prescod requested that lighting be placed in areas of his constituency.

 

Brashaw said the ministry is working closely with utility companies to install lighting on new roads and infrastructure projects, but she acknowledged the continued need for better street lighting in residential areas.

 

“Wherever we are doing new roads and new infrastructure, we work with our utilities coordinator and the utility company to ensure that those roads are allocated the necessary street infrastructure,” she said.

 

However, Bradshaw also pointed to a significant shortfall in the street lighting budget, which has been reduced to $2.5 million this year—down from the usual $6 million.

 

“We have currently an estimate system of $2.5 million, which is a significant reduction from what is accustomed to be included in the estimates,” Bradshaw said. “We’ve drawn that to the Ministry of Finance’s attention, and I’m hopeful that by the end of these estimates, we’re in a position to see the move in relation to taking that number back up.”

 

The Minister also highlighted the social impact of inadequate street lighting, particularly in densely populated areas. “The number of requests that we get for street lights and the attending issues that arise from us not being able to respond to the request, in turn, causes issues in relation to crime and other social issues,” she explained.

 

In addressing concerns about densely populated areas, Bradshaw added, “Just like you in St. Michael’s Southeast, I share similar concerns. Densely populated areas require a different level of intervention than some other areas. We are certainly hopeful that the solar light programme may be able to address the concerns that many of you have in relation to the street light infrastructure.”