Residents of Polygon Battery Housing Scheme are protesting a new sewage project in the area by the National Water Commission (NWC) which they say has not been clearly communicated to them and is unnecessary.

“They are forcing this sewage system on us which we don’t need. We don’t need it. It is very costly… they are saying that we should meet them on main [road], so we have to [dig] up our driveway, [dig] up everything and come and meet them on the main. That is another cost to us,” said Christopher Farr, who has lived in the community for over 60 years.

Farr explained that there are two areas of the community which sit next to each other and the other is in need of the sewage lines.

“There are two different segments in the scheme. A housing scheme, which was built in the 80s, which is connected to a sewage system. They need it. Because that is the only way to dispose of their waste. And there is the Polygon Battery housing scheme, which consists of around 56 homes, that already have a septic tank in their home,” he said.

Farr explained that community members were told that joining the sewage system was optional at first, which he described as misleading.

“It worked out now in the end that that was a lie. It is mandatory. We must take it. And if it passes our home, we still have to pay for it. So, we are here today to demonstrate that we don’t need it and it should not pass our home,” he said.

Another resident, Derek Powell, also maintained that the project is not necessary. He added that the backyard septic facilities in the community, like his own, are low cost, expressing concern that the new project will be much more expensive

“They are telling us when we went into a meeting, 115 per cent increase on our water bill” he said noting that his current private tank serving a family of four, only costs him $25,000 to clean every three or so years.

Powell maintained that the digging to lay pipes in the community has been prolonged and resulting in reduced road access in the community.

“This is the entrance of the housing scheme. And look at it, over a year and a half and up until now, they haven’t fixed this, but all they are doing is they are digging here, they are digging there and they are doing all sorts of stuff…. And we don’t need that.

Seventy-three-year old Alice Murphy confirmed she already has sewage management facilities attached to her home. The elderly woman also expressed fears of a bill increase in conjunction with the sewage system installation.

“I’m a pensioner. My husband give me his pension when he gets it at end of month time. So what am I going to do? Pay for sewage out on the street and I have my own in here already?” she asked.

“Not with me, I will fight until I die,” Murphy added.

work being carried out in Polygon Battery, Port Royal