KINGSTON, Jamaica — A  sewage overflow in the Darling Street area of Downtown Kingston has once again  caused  concerns to be raised by vendors, as effluent from multiple manholes continues to flow into public spaces, creating a pungent stench and unsanitary conditions near the popular Coronation Market.

For vendors like Moses, who sells jelly coconuts in the area, the issue is nothing new. Standing near his stall a few metres from one of the overflowing manholes, he explained that the problem has been occurring for months despite recent maintenance work.

“A professional team came and rodded it out nearly three months ago. But mi see it stay pon Darling Street for the longest time. No explanation, it just happens just like that. Maybe they need to re-change the tunnels that traffic the water, make them bigger or something. But mi not an engineer, mi just a jelly man. But the smell bad… very unbearable,” said the vendor.

Seemingly making light of the issue, he continued,

“Right now, a football [play] big up Tivoli football club but dem nearly lick mi fi six and cricket don’t play round here.”

The National Water Commission (NWC) has since confirmed that the sewage overflow is linked to a mechanical issue at its Darling Street wastewater facility.

In a statement on Thursday, the agency explained that one of its major pumps became inoperable, forcing crews to undertake emergency work to restore operations. A replacement pump is currently being assembled and is expected to be installed by Friday.

While the remaining pumps typically suffice to prevent overflow, recent heavy rainfall has overwhelmed the system, leading to the visible sewage discharge in the area.

The commission also highlighted a recurring challenge which is the improper disposal of solid waste into the sewer network, which often causes pump damage and expensive repairs.

According to the NWC, this marks the second major pump replacement at the facility this year, costing millions and disrupting daily commercial activities.

The NWC is assuring  the public that the overflow should be resolved once the new pump is installed and operations return to normal by Friday afternoon.

However, the agency is appealing to the public to sensitise themselves and reinforce best practices to reduce the negative impacts on its wastewater network.

—Brittania Witter