PHILIPSBURG–The Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) said it has been contacted by several businesses about the non-functioning street lights in Philipsburg.
The businesses believe that the lack of light for almost a year after hurricane Irma is having “unfavourable consequential impacts” on the capital’s economy.
Merchants on Front Street complain that turnover in retail businesses has been down significantly and more so since the passing of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017, PPB said. “After the devastating hurricane, several businesses have managed to reopen, however, others have gone out of business, caused either by the hurricane or by looting damage.”
“Since the beginning of 2018 there have been fewer hotel rooms open on the island, which most likely causes less foot traffic on the capital’s main tourist shopping street, where stores usually close at 6:00pm, but are now closing their doors between 4:45pm and 5:15pm,” PPB said.
“With no functioning lights in the three major parking lots in town, including the upper part of Cannegieter Street, the Promenade [Boardwalk Boulevard – Ed.] and many alleys, businesses also consider the non-operation of these lights a sour note to attracting afternoon shoppers in Philipsburg.” Residents and hotels guests in the capital are also affected, along with churchgoers and those dining out in the capital during the evening hours. In a recent Facebook posting, one woman wrote “last week after happy hour, my gf and I had to run back to the car. That is how scared we were.”
PPB expressed hope that those in authority will quickly address the lighting problem in Philipsburg, which also affects safety for those who live in the country and visit the island. “As the latter part of the year approaches, daylight will also be affected significantly with shorter days, giving a greater need for better lighting for all those concerned within the capital.”
PPB encourages business and property owners to get involved with improving lighting in the capital by considering installing decorative and security lighting, which can be light-emitting diode (LED) or solar.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80060-absence-of-lights-in-philipsburg-unfavourable-for-business-growth
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