KINGSTON, Jamaica Jamaica is building a US$126 million power plant in the capital that Prime Minister Bruce Golding says will help reduce light bills.

Golding says West Kingston Power Partners is expected to produce 66 megawatts of power with engines that can run on gas oil and natural gas. He says the plant will lessen the island's dependence on costly imported oil.

Ground is broken for the West Kingston Power Partners electricity plant. Participating in the ceremony on Thursday with Prime Minister Bruce Golding (far right) are from left: partner at Conduit Capital Partners, Juan Paez; General Manager, Jamaica Energy Partners, Wayne McKenzie and Minister of Energy, James Robertson. 1/1

The power will be sold by the Jamaica Public Service Company, the island's sole distributor of electricity, which serves nearly 600,000 people.

The plant is expected to operate by 2012 and to create 100 temporary jobs and 60 permanent positions.

Golding said in a statement Friday that the World Bank's International Finance Corporation is financing the project.

Jamaica has four main power stations, eight hydroelectric plants and one wind farm.