NWC clarifies storm drain issue on Port Royal Street

The National Water Commission (NWC) says no sewage-related issue currently exists on Port Royal Street between West Street and Matthews Lane in downtown Kingston, but rather a storm water drainage problem.

The commission says its technical teams have conducted a thorough investigation and confirmed that no problem exists at the location with its sewage infrastructure.

Additionally, the NWC confirms that rectification works previously undertaken to address a separate sewage-related concern near Temple Lane and Port Royal Street were completed on Friday, July 4, 2025. It says follow-up assessments have verified that the NWC's systems in this area are fully functional.

The NWC says the update has since been formally communicated to the National Works Agency (NWA) to allow for any further roadway or surface-level interventions that may be required.

A comprehensive programme of infrastructure upgrades is currently ongoing across downtown Kingston, according to the NWC. With investments exceeding $500 million, these works—now in advanced stages—form part of a phased improvement strategy aimed at enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the capital’s wastewater and water distribution networks.

"It is anticipated that these potable water and wastewater upgrades will be complemented by the rehabilitation of storm water drainage systems by the NWA, particularly in areas such as Port Royal Street where storm water flows frequently compromise the sanitary sewers," the NWC stated.

Stephen Shaw, corporate communications manager at the National Works Agency (NWA), said late last week that Port Royal Street was in need of rehabilitation but noted that his agency could not carry out those repairs until the sewage problem is fixed.

“There are two sections of Port Royal Street where sewer lines are impacting the state of the corridor,” Shaw said, adding that the National Water Commission has to carry out repairs to the sewerage infrastructure.

Shaw told The Gleaner that the NWA had done repairs twice to the section of Port Royal Street close to KFC but the roadway was damaged as a result of a defective sewer system.

- Edmond Campbell

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