Caguas has delivered 415 rechargeable batteries to citizens in need
By The Star Staff
Caguas Mayor William Miranda Torres continued the delivery over the weekend of equipment as part of the Rechargeable Batteries with Solar Technology Program.
At the moment, the mayor has delivered 415 pieces of equipment to Caguas families.
The municipal administration created a program for the delivery of the equipment that is financed through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The first round of battery deliveries took place in June, the second in July and now the third in August. The municipal Department of Citizen Services continues to evaluate applications and has a delivery schedule.
“Faced with a weak and intermittent electrical system like the one the country has, I allocated CSLFRF resources to donate portable electrical generators with solar panels to those citizens who are eligible and who have a medical need,” Miranda Torres said. “We deliver the equipment to bedridden patients, people who cannot fend for themselves and who suffer from a chronic health condition and who depend on electrical medical equipment.”
To implement the program, the municipality, through the Department of Citizen Services, created a call center to guide the project and a work team to handle cases, make visits and respond to requests received through an electronic template created by administrative staff in the Planning Department.
“Most of the people who receive the equipment are older adults with health challenges and conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea, or who are bedridden,” the Caguas mayor said. “They are people who use ventilators or oxygen machines, or who have disabilities that limit their mobility and who need medical equipment 24/7. The importance of this program allows our citizens and families in need to have an alternative system to ensure they maintain the electricity they need during emergencies.”