‘Unbearable stench’ disrupting schools and homes

Residents of 2 West, Greater Portmore, have been grappling with a persistent sewage odour for years, but in recent months, the issue has worsened, affecting homes, businesses, and schools.

The stench, which originates from the nearby Greater Portmore Ponds Wastewater Treatment Plant, has sparked health concerns, with residents and school officials calling for urgent intervention.

Mark, who has lived in the community since its development, explained that while the school is the worst affected, the odour worsens for the wider community depending on how the wind blows.

"When the breeze blow, it spread everywhere," he said. Other residents expressed that the odour disrupts their everyday activities, from cooking and sleeping to simply enjoying fresh air. A resident who lives just a few houses away from the plant shared, "Mi cyaa cook wid dis scent. Mi haffi close up mi house, and even that nuh help."

Kemar, who has lived in the community for 30 years, said the scent even invades his bedroom.

"I'm not sure if the community has done anything. I hope every day that something gets done, but the scent terrible," he said, adding that while the smell hasn't yet clung to his washed clothes, it has worsened his sinus issues.

At the Greater Portmore High School, the odour has created significant disruptions. Kevin Wright, vice-principal of academic studies, said the situation has forced adjustments to teaching and learning.

"It has reached a point where we have had to move classes online, because the environment is not conducive to learning," Wright said. While this measure helps mitigate some of the immediate issues, concerns remain about the long-term impact on students' education. School officials say the classrooms that are closest to the treatment plant - grade eight and nine and the science lab - are affected the worst.

Raquel Banton Salmon, acting vice-principal of student and administration, added that the situation has forced an early dismissal of classes several times.

"We have had students vomiting, teachers falling ill, and even a parent nearly fainting during a consultation meeting last week because of the scent," she shared. Several teachers have been placed on sick leave, one even suffering from sinus bleeds and coughing up blood.

Salmon told THE STAR, "You have parents whose children pass for PEP, and when parents come to collect the package, they change their minds and attempt to transfer their child."

Officials from nearby schools acknowledged the presence of the odour, but noted that its impact is less severe due to the relative distance from the treatment plant.

In response to the mounting complaints, the National Water Commission (NWC) recently issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to addressing the odour issues at Greater Portmore High School. According to the statement, on February 19, the NWC said it installed new electromechanical equipment, pumps, and switchgear, which have led to improved operations at the sewage treatment plant.

As part of its short-term plan, the NWC detailed measures, including the installation of aerators to enhance air circulation, removal of excess vegetation from the ponds, coordination with local authorities to improve site access, and collaboration with environmental regulators, for further improvements.

When asked about a timeline for improvements, Delano Williams, acting corporate public relations manager at the NWC, explained that weather conditions could impact the pace of progress, which may slow down some aspects of the maintenance work.

Williams told THE STAR, "We are doing additional checks to ensure there are no other sources of odour. We are also working to clear overgrown vegetation that has worsened due to recent wet weather."

Williams assured that, according to their assessments, the system is not overburdened.