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Greater Portmore High sceptical as NWC commits to solving smelly issue

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Delano Williams, acting corporate communications manager at the NWC, and Richard Ross, Principal of Greater Portmore High School
 
By Racquel Porter    
 
Principal of Greater Portmore High School, Richard Ross says National Water Commission's "public relations magic" will not rectify the looming health crisis at the institution.
 
There have been numerous calls for the authorities to address the longstanding problem of a stench emanating from the National Water Commission Sewage Treatment Plant.
 
In a press release Thursday, acting communications manager Delano Williams, while apologising for the inconvenience, said the NWC is committed to finding a lasting solution. 
 
"Significant steps have been taken to follow through on the measures that we agreed to implement. On February 19, a new pump and switch gear were installed and we have observed improvement in plant operations. However, based on the feedback from the school, there are still persisting issues, and so we will be conducting an urgent follow up to identify these points," Mr. Williams said. 
 
But speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Friday morning, Mr. Ross said the school has not yet heard from the NWC nor the ministries of education, health and water. 
 
"We are beyond the PR at this time. PR is not helping us. And it is all good and well to say things in the public space, but we who are there on the ground suffer on a daily basis. And whilst there are many things being said about what is being done, the reality is that the stench is killing us. Last year this time, out of all those promises, for them to tell us that the 19th of February, one pump was installed and is now being monitored is totally unacceptable, because they know very well that one pump is not going to remedy the situation. So all that is happening now from the NWC is PR and we are not in for it," the principal complained. 
 
The NWC said the upcoming assessment will also guide the finalisation of long-term upgrades, including potential renovation or replacement of the treatment plant.
 
Classes at Greater Portmore High dismissed early Wednesday as teachers staged a sit-in over the smelly issue.
 
Since then, students have been engaged online.
 
Teachers, students and parents have reportedly fallen ill due to the overbearing foul smell emanating from the sewage treatment plant.
 


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