RESIDENTS in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, are threatening to take legal action against the National Water Commission (NWC) over a sewer problem that is causing raw sewage to overflow onto streets and into their homes.

The residents complain that the problem has existed for more than five years, despite repeated calls to have it rectified.

"The situation is so bad I cannot invite people to my home," said Elaine Rowe Leslie, who lives on Maize Avenue in the community.

"I am a mother of five and I worry for my children each day as a result of this sewage situation. Sometimes the sewage runs over into my home," a distraught Rowe told the Jamaica Observer.

Other neighbours had similar complaints. Curtis Gardener said to tackle the stench from the sewage, residents at times have to use a tarpaulin to cover the manholes on the streets.

Paula Gordon, a mother of three who operates a small shop on Salkey Avenue, said her business is losing badly as residents refuse to make purchases there because of the problem.

"Other than the shop I do a little fish fry on Fridays and the business is suffering because of the problem," said Gordon.

Tuesday, the residents said they would be moving to take legal action against the water company as they believe that if the matter is not addressed, it could lead to serious health problems.

"I have already gathered my documents to bring to my lawyer," Gordon declared.

Yesterday, calls to the mobile number of NWC's corporate communications Manager, Charles Buchanan, went unanswered.