On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Television Jamaica aired a news item during its Nightly News programme, featuring an interview conducted with residents of Portmore Villas, St. Catherine who complained about a malfunctioning sewage lift station, which has resulted in foul odour, raw sewage flowing throughout sections of the community, ill health and loss of earnings.
The Housing Agency of Jamaica Limited (HAJL) confirms that the lift station, which is located off Dyke Road and connected to the Soapberry Sewage Treatment Plant, is jointly managed by the Agency and the National Water Commission (NWC). However, our investigation has revealed that the malfunctioning of the station is primarily due to high incidences of vandalism, coupled with the theft of electricity. Additionally, individuals are utilizing the plant as a disposal site for personal and bulky waste.
The Agency is aware of the persistent tampering with the electrical lines, which has resulted in repeated disruption of the supply of electricity to the plant rendering the lift station inoperable. Consequently, the Agency wrote to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) in December 2025, requesting an assessment and details of the work required to restore electricity to the plant. The HAJL is actively taking steps to carry out works as a perquisite to that to be done by the JPSCo.
The Housing Agency of Jamaica Limited (HAJL) again reminds individuals to discontinue the practice of vandalising the sewage plant and stealing the electricity, as well as to desist from disposing of unsuitable materials, such as wipes, condoms, and building materials into the sewer system, as these actions impact the effective functioning of this and other similar facilities.
– Housing Agency of Jamaica Limited (HAJL)
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