REP DELIVERS ELECTRICITY TO CLIFTON
For decades, the only sources of light at nights for residents of Clifton a rural community in Brighton, St Elizabeth were the kerosene lamp and the bottle torch.
But all this changed when the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) brought electricity to Clifton.
The bright smiles on the faces of Clifton residents heralded the prospect that their lives would change for the better, a key objective of the REP programme introduced in the 1970s.
A resident of the community, Kenroy McKenzie said "I never dreamt that electricity would ever come to this community. It's really nice to see light finally come because I always looked forward to the day when light would come down here.”
The first thing he did when his electricity was connected was to plug in his massive boom box, after which he went and purchased a refrigerator which he uses to store meat for sale.
He was, however, mindful that he would be receiving a monthly electricity bill and said he would start conserving soon. But for now he intended to just enjoy his new luxury.
Steve, another resident said “I feel good, I can't explain how I feel because we never knew light would come here."
In the neighbouring community of Content, workmen are busy installing wires, while residents eagerly anticipate their shining moment.
They should not have much longer to wait because as soon as the workmen are finished, the REP would come in to wire the houses.
Reida McKenzie said she had lived in Content for more than 40 years and never dreamt that one day electricity would come to her home. Her husband Leslie said "I cannot eat; I am in a joyful mood.”
The REP aims to extend electricity to rural Jamaica as part of the Government’s commitment to provide the entire island with access to electricity and provide a better quality life in rural communities.
Source: Jamaica Observer
Here are some pictures from the communities of Clifton and Content in St. Elizabeth.
Kenroy McKenzie, points to his boom box which was the first appliance he plugged in when electricity was turned on in Clifton St. Elizabeth.
