The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PLEASE allow me some space in your column to discuss the utility repair response in New Providence after the passing of Matthew. I had written previously to note the community spirit and support given by neighbours and friends. I found this to be a needed breath of fresh air. 

However, I am now extremely discouraged after waiting patiently for endless utility repairs.

I have not had a working internet and email for months. My service is from Cable Bahamas.

There was an appointment made on October 3rd for a technician to come for the 10th time in as many months for this same issue.

What typically happens is that the technician comes and I get a new modem. This has never solved the problem. Finally in September, my cable was replaced. This also has not solved the problem. Hence the appointment made on October 3rd.  

I do appreciate that the hurricane put different priorities in line and I sympathize with all those adversely affected.

However, I did not get a service call, when the appointment was made before Matthew.  It took over four weeks before a technician was able to come out. Other needs were put before mine. 

Again – I understand that the storm created unusual circumstances, but shouldn’t I have been at the top of the list for repairs after Matthew, since I had an appointment before the storm hit?

Cable Bahamas could not comply. It has now been over one month since I scheduled for repairs and I am still not up and running.

Let’s talk telephone now. BaTelCo tells me that I might get my phone repaired next week, but could not say for certain. Again – this is now over four weeks without service.

They might get it working on week five. Really?

BPL is being touted as doing a good job getting power restored in a timely manner. 

I beg to differ. I did not have power for over 21 days! And then when it was restored, it was spotty at best – on again/off again.

I understand that the task was quite daunting after Matthew passed, but a preparedness plan may have been beneficial to speed up the recovery efforts. 

We live in a country that is touted as a first world nation. It’s too bad that the utilities and other services cannot rise to that occasion.

I remain without working telephones, internet, television and have only occasional electricity. Perhaps my expectations are too high. Welcome to the Bahamas!

BT

Nassau,

October 3, 2016.