Acting Chief of Infrastructural Planning, Research and Development in the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities Mr. Duane Fraites made the disclosure on Wednesday, August 18, during a 7th District community meeting.

He said the project was slated to last a total of 18 months, but that may be unlikely “because of COVID related challenges, because of different restrictions in terms of acquisition of materials.”

Notably, previous timelines from Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon. Kye Rymer had been 12 months.

Fraites said, “As a result of COVID, there are a lot of challenges in terms of material suppliers in the US and other suppliers in different areas. So we have encountered some challenges, but we are pressing on.”

In the meantime, Civil Engineer and Project Manager Mr. Bernard Grant said the first phase is underway.

“Currently, we are working on making the final connection with the system that is located from Long Swamp to the treatment plant that is located in Paraquita Bay.”

“Over the years, we have completed a lot of work, and while they are not visible to us, they are under the ground. It takes a lot of effort in terms of connecting this system that would take the sewerage to the Paraquita Bay Treatment Plant. One of the setbacks we have had is the treatment plant itself that had sustained some damage in the 2017 hurricanes,” he explained, adding that it will be repaired.

He continued: “Thereafter, we are going to be moving on to more of the technical problems, which includes the connection areas from the Parham Town to the Long Swamp pump station.”

The project will then move to the Long Look area to complete a system that had already started in 2006.

The project that has been touted for many years is expected to bring an end to the sewerage woes of the people of the east.