APUA technicians working in the rain to light bypass road proves the double standard, locals say

The valiant efforts by Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) workmen to
erect streetlights on a by-pass road are being lauded by some residents, while
others are not as impressed.
 
According to reports, on Sunday, May 26, during torrential rainfall, workers
from the Electricity Business Unit were on the job, risking their safety, to
ensure that the by-pass road from the SIDS4 conference venue is well
illuminated.
 
A resident who recorded a video of the APUA workmen was full of praise for
their endeavour. He described it as a national effort and commended their
hard work and dedication to pulling off a successful conference.
 
The video shows the technicians in bucket trucks, some without a raincoat,
working on a number of lamp posts on the bypass road.

The man was also pleased with the work done on the road, itself, saying the
gutters were taking in all the water that was pouring onto the road.
But this was disputed by a person who commented on the video, saying it is
obvious that no drains have been installed.

Meanwhile, other people are wondering what makes this diligence more
acceptable than when – following a storm – residents call on APUA to move
quickly to restore their electricity.

Usually, the Authority would advise the public that its workmen would
venture out only when it is safe to do so – and not during rain, especially when
accompanied by lightning or thunder, which was the case on Sunday.
 
Accordingly, some residents see Sunday’s performance as a double standard.
They say the lives of the workmen can be placed at risk to make the
Administration look good for the conference; but to ensure that households
have electricity after a storm is to put the technicians’ lives in peril.
 
In the meantime, many residents say the erection of lights on that roadway
should have been completed much earlier, as the Administration knew – well
over six months ago –that it would be hosting the international conference.
Other critics point to a section of the Valley Road – after the Big Creek Bridge
and leading into Ebenezer/Jennings – that is in urgent need of lights, as
motorists often complain that the area is too dark at night.

Another resident is affronted that all this effort is being put into ensuring that
conference delegates enjoy the best the country can offer, while the
Government is not as diligent for its own people.
 
The Browne Administration is also accused of hypocrisy for pulling out all the
stops for a conference that deals with environmental concerns, when,
allegedly, it is drilling too close to the coral reefs and allowing investors to
destroy the Barbuda Lagoon.