APUA Reassures Public Over Friars Hill Road Streetlights

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) says there is no safety risk associated with newly installed streetlights along Friars Hill Road, following concerns raised on social media about their placement near existing overhead utility lines.

In a statement issued Friday, APUA explained that the stretch of Friars Hill Road from the WIOC pond to the roundabout near Government House is now supplied by underground electrical infrastructure. The utility company said the overhead lines and wooden poles in that section are no longer energized and therefore do not pose a threat to the public.

APUA said the underground infrastructure project had previously been communicated through media releases and news coverage.

“While we acknowledge and appreciate the public concern regarding safety, we wish to assure the public that there is no risk associated with the placement of the newly installed streetlights in relation to the existing overhead lines,” the statement said.

The utility company also announced that the removal of the existing wooden poles and overhead lines in the area is already scheduled to be completed before the end of the month.

APUA said public safety remains a priority as it continues infrastructure upgrades and improvements across Antigua and Barbuda.