BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE future looks brighter for electricity consumers, as Minister of Public Utilities Dr. Hon. Earl Asim Martin promised that the upcoming corporatisation of the electricity department would result in a higher quality of service.
The project, which was first announced in 2005, moved one step closer to fruition this week with Cabinet’s approval of its Phase Two operations. Once the corporatisation process is completed, the electricity department will become a government-owned entity administered by a Board of Directors.
Phase One of the project consisted of a review of the department’s relevant records and reports. Additionally, a number of internal surveys and analyses were conducted to ascertain human resource and financial capabilities.
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, Martin said that Phase Two would begin sometime within the next several weeks. He outlined some of the benefits of the project, which is expected to be completed around mid-2010.
“The new corporation will be a more efficient entity with revenue-generating capacity. It will aid the government in our quest to develop a diversified, reliable, reasonably priced and more environmentally friendly electricity sector,” he stated.
“The lower rates will improve the lives of thousands of citizens and will create an environment for greater investment in all sectors of the economy.”
According to the Minister, Phase Two will include the appointment of a Board of Directors and senior managers, as well as the creation of an appropriate organisational structure. There will also be provisions for the transfer of current staff to the new corporation.
Martin further divulged that there would be an upgrade of the department’s financial and human resource management systems.
“Phase Two is about facilitating the smooth transition to the new entity. That’s why the government is taking pains to ensure that the appropriate laws are in place, and that the department has the adequate personnel and financial resources to weather the change.
“However, no change can be completely perfect and initial adjustments will need to be made. I am asking the public to be patient, because in the long-run they will receive tremendous benefits,” Martin stated.
