OVERFLOWING sewage water is causing great discomfort for several Kingston Central residents, forcing many to abandon sections of their homes.

The residents complain that the problem has persisted for nearly a month despite their desperate pleas for help. They are concerned about the health risks, particularly to young children and people with existing ailments.

“We are tired and fed up and desperately in need of help. For more than three weeks our houses have been flooded with sewage,” said Lucille Allen.

Allen, a senior citizen, was among residents who took to the streets to voice their disgust at the problem. She also showed sections of her house that was flooded by raw sewage.

For almost everyone, the complaint was the same.

“Right now, people in the area are worried that if not addressed this issue could result in major health problems,” Geneva Garvey told the Jamaica Observer.

She, too, showed a section of her house where she had to place several pieces of appliances on concrete blocks to avoid the rising sewage water.

The residents said they felt neglected by the authorities. They believe that, as taxpayers, the neglect is tantamount to contempt.

“We are frustrated that after so many calls for help we continue to be ignored. We want some assistance,” pleaded Garvey.

Further in Tivoli Gardens in West Kingston, similar complaints were aired.

“Something needs to be done to address this sewage problem in and around West Kingston,” said one resident.

The woman said that the situation was particularly bad in Building 1, Levy Park, where roads were inundated by sewage water.

“Children and senior citizens, babies are living in the community. We are literally in fear that if something is not done it will lead to a major health problem,” said another resident.

Broken drains and sewage-flooded streets are common in the Corporate Area, particularly in downtown Kingston and inner-city communities, with residents and business people alike blaming the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation and National Water Commission whom they said have fallen down on their responsibility to maintain the drains.