Left: This youngster sits dangerously close to the edge of the 'pond-like' feature created by the sewage water settling at the Block C section.   Right: Stagnant sewage water settles in front of the Block C building in Majesty Gardens, Kingston 11, last week, giving off a foul odour. Residents say their sewer systems have been blocked up for more than a month. - photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

WHAT'S NOT WORKING?

There is nothing regal about the situation in Majesty Gardens. Some residents from the Kingston 11 community are complaining about the stagnant sewer water that has settled in front of their housing compound.

So unbearable is the stench coming from the water that they are unable to open their windows or even sleep well at nights when the hostile scent raises its ugly head.

The residents are worried that a failure to rectify the stink situation could result in some serious health problems.

SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION

Residents from the affected section of the community said they have been trying to cope with the problem for over a month now. One of them, Lyn, said since the sewers have been blocked, they have not seen any attempts being made by the relevant authorities to address the threat.

She added that the insanitary situation puts both children and adults at risk of being infected by the germs and bacteria in the water, as well as by the flies that infest it.

Lyn pointed out that she and other residents must keep their windows closed at all times in an attempt to prevent both the reek and the flies from the nasty pond-like feature, created by the sewer water, from getting into their homes and kitchens.

Another resident, Cher, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, echoed similar points and concerns. She also pointed out that the situation worsens when it rains, as the volume of the smelly water increases and the foul odour becomes stronger.

Cher noted that despite promises from the councillor, Carl Blake, to have the issue addressed, nothing has been done. Several attempts to contact Mr. Blake on his mobile phone were unsuccessful.

WHAT'S THE STATUS?

Unlike the stagnant water in the community, the status is still unsettled. Norman Shand, city engineer at the KSAC, said he is not aware of the parish council having responsibility for any sewers in the Majesty Gardens community. He then suggested that our news team contact the NWC. Charles Buchanan, corporate communications manager at the NWC, said the sewers in the community might fall under the water company's purview. However, Mr. Buchanan said he would have to check with the Waste Water Unit to make sure. He promised to provide the news team with an update when this is done.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) denied ownership of the sewers while the National Water Commission (NWC) is looking into the matter to see if the systems fall under its purview.

CONCLUSION

This situation is disgraceful. The relevant authority should be ashamed of its inaction which has exposed the residents, especially the young children, to this health hazard. The situation in Majesty Gardens needs to be addressed with utmost urgency before there is some outbreak.

The political representatives - the Member of Parliament and the councillor - should also be ashamed of themselves for allowing their constituents to be exposed to this clear and present danger for so long. However, the question is, have you any shame? It is a melancholy truth that some of our elected officials, who are hired by the public and paid from the public purse, do not care enough about their 'employers' and cannot be shamed into action. That is indeed sad.

Likewise, the condition in Majesty Gardens is also depressing.

Flies and other insects infest the water and the stench speaks boisterously for itself. Imagine having to prepare food for the family in such conditions; not at all wholesome.

The agency responsible needs to do its job. We are watching!

FOOTNOTE: A resident contacted The Gleaner yesterday and said that the authorities addressed the problem last week Friday, the day after our news team visited the area.

- Done by Marlon, Vickerman, Gleaner Writer

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, The Gleaner Company Ltd., 7 North Street, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com