The National Water Commission (NWC) has taken steps to stop the discharge of untreated sewage into the Old John Gully and the Rio Cobre, in St. Catherine.

The issue, which was reported yesterday (December 25), affected several nearby residents who said the stench was unbearable.

The sewage which made its way into the northern section of the Rio Cobre caused a fish kill, in that location.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Director for Environmental Management and Conservation at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Anthony McKenzie confirmed that the leakage stemmed from an NWC sewage plant in Charlemont, Linstead.

He also noted that the NWC has fixed the issue.

Meanwhile, President of advocates group ‘Friends of the Rio Cobre’, Kestonard Gordon laments that the Rio Cobre continues to be impacted by pollution.

Just two weeks ago, the river was affected by at least two oil spills.