“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” ~ Helen Keller
I saw a video of Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Rio Cobre River on Instagram, and I was starstruck. I wanted to go explore so severely I began my research instantly. I finally planned to visit the road, less travelled. I found a wealth of history that I never imagined existed.
The Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Rio Cobre River was my second Dam that I have visited. My first was Hermitage Dam in Saint Andrew
On November 30, 2019, my brother and I set out in search of the hydroelectric power plant on the Rio Cobre near Bog Walk. We took a taxi to downtown Kingston and then a Spanish town coaster a bus to Spanish Town.
Our final stop was in the Spanish Town bus park where we took a Linstead taxi and asked the driver for a stop at the Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Our stop was on the main road where he showed us the path down to the dam. We made our way through the tracks, climbing on large stones. I must admit it was a bit scary, but I wanted to see this part of Jamaica's history that I had no idea about. Finally, we made it to the plant.
I was in awe. It looked so much like a natural waterfall. My brother Andrew and I are so much alike; we love taking pictures. So instantly we made our way into the river taking some fantastic views. We had so much fun that day.
On the Rio Cobre near Spanish Town in Saint Catherine Parish, is the Rio Cobre Dam which is a diversion dam. The main goal in creating the dam was redirecting water into a canal on its right bank for irrigation of up to 12,000 ha (30,000 acres). Also, to provide municipal water to Spanish Town. The National Irrigation Commission owns it.
In 1870, the Governor of Jamaica John Peter Grant started Plans for the system. Construction began at the end of 1872 and completion of the dam and canals in June 1876.
In 1898 the West India Electric Company built a 900 kW hydroelectric power plant on the Rio Cobre near Bog Walk to power a tram system in Kingston. The plant which is 1,500 horsepower was finished the next year and used to power Kingston's tramway system. Before the plant, the tram cars were pulled by a couple of mules.
On June 24, 1904, Disaster hit when 33 workers died while cleaning the considerable water pipe serving the power station. The plant was closed later that year. It was one of the first in the western hemisphere.
After leaving Kent Village on the way to Spanish Town, the wrecks of the plant can still be seen.
We ventured to our next Destination which was Falling Edge Waterfall in Saint Andrew.
Are you an admirer of going out and testing yourself when exploring too? What are your favourite adventures in Jamaica – Do tell!
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About the author
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.