The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) says theft and motor vehicle crashes are two of the main reasons for non-functional streetlights, across the island.

The revelation comes, as the company notes that it is working to repair some 5,000 streetlights across Jamaica, in time for the festive season.

JPS’ Director of Transmission and Distribution Asset Management, Orlando Mckoy, explains that the number one challenge the company faces is the theft of electricity fixtures.

He says, streetlights along the Palisadoes Strip in Kingston, the Dyke Road and Hellshire Main Roads in St. Catherine, and the Chesterfield stretch in St. Andrew, have been replaced several times because of criminal elements stealing JPS’ property.

Mckoy says the company continues to appeal to residents and the authorities, to play their part in reporting and bringing perpetrators to justice.

As it relates to the issue of motor vehicle crashes, as a major contributor to the damage of streetlights, Mckoy is calling for greater caution along the roadways, to prevent inconvenience to customers, particularly during the Christmas season, when there is usually a spike in accidents.

He adds that while most corridors will see an improvement in illumination for 2024, work will continue throughout the first quarter of next year.