By Mishka Spence

Opposition Spokesperson on Water, Ian Hayles is calling on the National Water Commission (NWC) to take immediate action to address the ongoing sewage overflows affecting several communities across Jamaica.

Mr. Hayles says this follows recent reports that areas such as Waltham Park Road, East Road in St. Andrew and Negril in Westmoreland are experiencing significant sewage issues, posing serious health risks to residents.

Taxi operators and residents of Waltham Park Road protested yesterday, calling for immediate rehabilitation of the road.

They said sewage water has been affecting the road since last year.

In a social media post, the NWC said it is not responsible and does not operate a sewage network along Waltham Park and East Roads in St. Andrew.

Mr. Hayles, in response to the statement, emphasizes that managing sewage across the country is a fundamental part of the NWC’s mandate.

He says that the government needs to be more proactive in addressing sewage complaints in a timely manner and cannot abdicate its responsibility, especially when public health and welfare are at stake.

He said citizens deserve better than the unsanitary and hazardous conditions that are becoming all too common.

Mr. Hayles is calling for the NWC to deploy teams to assess and rectify the sewage overflows promptly to mitigate health risks.

He added that the NWC should communicate transparently with residents of affected communities about the causes of the overflows and the steps being taken to resolve them.