A damaged street lamp in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola. Government says street lamps will be fixed by June 2020. Photo: VINO

As part of the questioning, Hon Julian Fraser had asked of the Premier that if he was aware of the huge deficit in street lights when compared to the period before Hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO/File

According to Premier Andrew A. Fahie, there were approximately 3600 street lights pre-Irma, with the BVIEC reinstalling 2687 street light so far. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Fraser was at the time speaking at the February 25, 2020, Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Third House of Assembly (HoA) in the Virgin Islands when he asked of Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) for details surrounding the lighting situation.

Deficit in lights 

As part of the questioning, Hon Fraser had asked of the Premier if he was aware of the huge deficit in street lights when compared to the period before Hurricane Irma.

He also asked for clarification of where the Government paid for the installation of all street lights and when lights can be expected back in neighbourhoods to pre-Irma level. 

According to Premier Fahie, there were approximately 3600 street lights pre-Irma, with the BVIEC reinstalling 2687 street lights so far. 

"Additionally, we are in receipt of 68 new 250w high-pressure sodium fixtures that will be used to replace the LED lights in Road Town in an effort to replace the lighting," Hon Fahie said.

Street lighting issues will be fixed by June - Premier 

However, the Premier noted that the replaced existing lights will be relocated to other areas of need in the Territory. 

He said the BVIEC paid for the lighting installation of 2,400 lights after the hurricanes and not funds from the Government, however, an additional $250,955.10 was processed through the government for additional lighting and poles.

He said by the end of June 2020, the Territory can expect all street lights to be back to pre-Irma level, to which Hon Fraser said a lot of places are dark and he believes more lighting is needed.  

With regard to the BVIEC charging the Government for lighting, Hon Fahie said the by-laws of the BVIEC provides for charging for electricity supplied to public lamps.