Rochester Gully stench stifling residents

The Editor, Sir:

For too many years, the residents of Red Hills Boulevard, Red Hills Gardens, Pleasanton and 85 Lane have been bombarded by the most awful stench emanating from the Rochester Gully that runs through these communities.

Several residents have made queries and complaints to various government agencies, including the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, Ministry of Health, the Department of Public Health, and the Ministry of Water and Housing, and we have learnt that the cause is a malfunctioning sewage-treatment plant at a complex on Whitehall Avenue that was built by the National Housing Trust. We understand that the National Water Commission (NWC) is now responsible for this plant.

Apparently, although ordinary citizens are advised against dumping garbage in gullies, treated sewage is allowed - for a fee - to run in this gully. This becomes a problem when the plant breaks down and raw sewage, along with chemicals that are used for its treatment, seeps into the gully. The point of entry to the Rochester Gully is the entrance to the St Andrew Plaza on Red Hills Road, where a pipe carrying treated/untreated sewage and chemicals from the plant empties into the gully and travels past the hapless communities.

Sometimes the smell is absolutely unbearable, but whether mild or constantly disgusting, we believe that residents should not be expected to live in this condition, which is both uncomfortable and unhealthy. God knows what manner of toxins are being inhaled and what debilitating effect this can have on our bodies and those of our children.

We read in the April 24 edition of The Sunday Gleaner that the NWC has plans to divert waste water from a malfunctioning sewage plant in Ravinia in Liguanea. We are asking for the same courtesy and consideration to be extended to us. The NWC claims that when the Whitehall Avenue plant breaks down, it is serviced and operations are normalised. However, this behemoth of a plant should be disbanded, as it constantly malfunctions and is clearly at the end of its useful life. An alternative should be found that allows sewage to arrive at its destination without being problematic to others who have nothing to do with it.

We matter too, notwithstanding our not having a Liguanea address. We want this situation addressed, permanently. We are tired of the stench of faeces and chemicals, revolting and nauseating, constantly assailing our nostrils. If money can be found to build highways, money can be found to solve this problem.

E. Parker