The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit a comprehensive national initiative to enhance street and community lighting across the nation. This decision follows a detailed briefing from the Electricity Manager of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), who was specifically summoned to address mounting public apprehensions regarding insufficient illumination in numerous neighborhoods.
Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications within the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed the development. The Cabinet conducted a thorough review of conditions prevalent in residential zones, major thoroughfares, and public areas, systematically pinpointing locations deemed critically deficient and in need of immediate intervention to boost visibility and bolster public security.
In response, APUA has formally committed to executing the necessary repairs and systemic upgrades. The utility authority asserts it possesses the full technical expertise, workforce, and requisite equipment to finalize the entire project within a sensible and efficient timeframe.
The sweeping improvement program encompasses a multi-faceted approach: installation of brand-new streetlights, restoration of malfunctioning units, substitution of impaired fixtures, and complete system modernization where existing infrastructure is obsolete. Execution will be prioritized based on the severity of the deficiencies, ensuring the most affected areas are addressed first.
Government officials project that the augmented lighting will yield significant multifaceted benefits. These include a substantial reinforcement of road safety for motorists and pedestrians, a powerful bolstering of crime prevention initiatives, and a tangible contribution to overarching national security objectives and broader community development goals.