‘Unbearable stench’ - Port Royal residents plead for urgent action; Gov’t promises new sewage plant to address nightmare

Some residents of Port Royal are voicing their frustration over the ongoing sewage problems affecting their community. Among them is Josephine Gayle, who told THE STAR that raw sewage has been flowing into her yard since last week.

"The stench is unbearable, and I have not seen anyone try to come and fix it," Gayle lamented.

"Sometimes the truck comes and clears it; but since it's been running, we've been trying to get through to them, but we cannot get through," she added.

The historic town, situated at the tip of the Palisadoes near Kingston Harbour, lacks a sewage-treatment system. Waste is periodically removed from storage areas, but overflows into the community. This has been a recurring issue.

Delano Williams, acting corporate public relations manager at the National Water Commission (NWC), told THE STAR that there may be issues with the current sewage system, particularly due to increased demand.

"We normally respond as quickly as possible to empty those tanks and dispose of the sewage for the community. Due to the Christmas season, it may be a case of increased volume flowing into the collection points, but we routinely monitor the situation and pull, as necessary," Williams said.

Meanwhile, the Government has long pledged to resolve the issue. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness announced plans to upgrade the town's sewage system as part of a broader development initiative. He also commissioned into service a $533-million water system, providing residents with a more reliable water supply.

"We have actually built the sewage plant, now we have to lay the pipes to connect the homes and the facilities to that treatment plant," he stated.

The NWC confirmed that it is advancing plans for a $235-million upgrade of Port Royal's sewage system. According to Williams, the overhaul will connect multiple collection points to a central main leading to a new treatment plant near the pier.

"We at NWC have actually been mobilising and are far advanced with the procurement process for an overhaul of the sewage system. The project will involve connecting four to five collection points and linking them to a central main that will run from the town out to a new sewage treatment plant close to the pier," he explained.

In the meantime, Gayle and other residents remain frustrated by the situation.

"The smell is overwhelming. I just want something to be done. It's been going on for too long, and it's getting worse," Gayle said.

Williams said the upgrade for the sewer system is slated to begin mid-year and is expected to be completed by 2026. Once in place, the modern sewage infrastructure will reduce reliance on manual sewage trucks and improve waste management in the town.