Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) conduct repairs to electricity lines on Wulff Road.

Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) said yesterday that New Providence has reached 90 percent restoration in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

Eight thousand customers were without electricity supply yesterday -- 4,000 fewer than reported on Wednesday, according to BPL.

In a press statement, officials also said restoration in the Family Islands is omplete with the exception of north and central  Andros where restoration is "above 70 percent".

"In New Providence, BPL estimates that more than 73,000 customers -- both residential and commercial -- have had their supply restored so far," the statement read.

"While the company agrees that this is a significant number with restored service, there are still approximately 8,000 customers without power and the company is continuing its aggressive approach to restoring power to these customers within the shortest possible time.

"The company expects that by the weekend it will be well above 90 percent restoration but acknowledges there are some areas where the work is taking a longer time."

Those areas are Sanford Drive, Sans Souci, South Beach east and west, Sea Breeze and Imperial Park.

Reason for delay
Officials said the majority of the distribution lines in some areas without power are placed at the rear of residential properties making it difficult for crews to access.

"Some homes are walled or fenced in, also making it harder for crews to carry out repairs," said the statement.

"Additionally, bucket trucks needed to expedite repairs have difficulty reaching these lines as homeowners have expanded their property on to BPL's 'right of way'.

"BPL also has problems with additional backyard structures and trees planted by customers obstructing access to these lines.

"The company now has to look at less efficient and more time consuming ways of repairing downed poles and lines in these areas."

According to the statement, BPL's underground infrastructure in Yamacraw experienced salt water damage because of the flooding.

For residents without power in Lumumba Lane, Hanna Road, Marshall Road, St. Andrews Beach Estates, Sea Gull Close, and Misty Gardens, officials say restoration efforts cannot take place until government inspectors deem the areas safe to work.

For other BPL customers without power, the company advised that issues could include faulty transformers, downed or faulty power lines, or damaged poles.

In instances where customers cannot see visible damage, BPL advised that service problems could be the result of infrastructural damage on a nearby street.

BPL said there are a number of customers whose service masts or wires have been damaged or disconnected from BPL's supply.

If a service mast is damaged, customers are advised to "have it repaired privately".

"BPL's service crews will then reconnect supply wires to the mast," the statement said.

The company said due to the high volume of service issues across New Providence it will take time for crews to complete those types of repairs and advised that they are often "the last to complete".

It has been 16 days since Hurricane Matthew's passing.

Jayme C. Pinder, Guardian Staff Reporter

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