Solving a stinking problem
VENDORS, workers and shoppers in sections of downtown Kingston which have been affected by raw sewage for months, are elated with the pace of current work being done to remedy the persisting problem and are optimistic that, after it is fixed, they will be able to conduct business in a stench-free environment.
Last week some vendors expressed appreciation for the Jamaica Observer, as they noted that the long needed repair work started after the newspaper published a story on July 20, again highlighting the problem affecting areas around West, Beckford and Pechon streets, among others.
Ackeem, a vendor on Beckford Street, told the Observer that he is glad that the officials are finally dealing with the problem which he noted is not good for the environment.
“I thank the Observer for hearing our cry and for making the bigger heads know what is happening,” said Ackeem.
One store worker said that although sewage was still running in the streets, she was pleased with the level of response that the authorities have given to the situation.
“Mi feel good, mi naa lie bout that. It might nuh perfect yet but it a gwaan,” said the woman who was supported by an employee of a nearby wholesale.
According to the wholesale employee, he is surprised at the pace of the work.
“Dem a move express. I am surprised at the speed at which they are working but I am grateful. All of us out here get sick more than one time in the last five months. Me go doctor about three times and it cost us. Desmond McKenzie, the Member of Parliament’s vote seems safe,” said the man with a chuckle.
His co-worker said she felt glad that the problem was being fixed but pondered whether anyone would reimburse all the money she has already spent on medication after falling ill numerous times.
“I feel good, Sir. Mi glad seh it a fix. I am tired of the sewage and the scent, but we should charge the bigger heads for all the medication that we have bought,” she said.
One female vendor told the Observer that she was disappointed that the problem was allowed to continue for so long as a permanent solution should have been identified long ago.
“From they fix it and it is alright, I will be happy but they should have fixed it long time. There is a part on Princess Street where sewage run different. You can know when it a come because you see the people a shuffle up and run and seh ‘it a come, it a come’,” the woman said.
Less than 24 hours after publication of the July 20 story, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who was off the island, reportedly said the situation was totally unacceptable and ordered that action be taken immediately to fix the problem.
Minister with responsibility for the environment, Matthew Samuda, told journalists during a subsequent tour of downtown, that the problem will be remedied quickly.
Samuda acknowledged that the situation was chronic and there was no nice way to describe it.
He said sewer lines on West Street and Pechon Street had virtually collapsed and in the shortest term, trucks would be deployed to reduce the flow of sewage.
Samuda pointed out that there was a mechanical problem on Darling Street and that required new pumps which were to be cleared at the wharf.
“As it relates to the distribution lines, some of them are clay. Some of them are over 100 years old. We have mobilised emergency works which have already started, as you can see behind us.
“We will be doing 410 metres of West Street and 220 metres going straight into Matthews Lane, which will clear the major blocked area which is what is backing up in the transport area and the market. The work will be in the region of $200 million,” Samuda said.