A home owner in the Two North, East Ascot housing scheme in Portmore, St. Catherine, has dug a foundation in the storm water drain to erect a concrete fence despite several complaints to the Portmore Municipality. Residents fear that the fence may result in flooding with a heavy shower of rain. -Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

There is trouble brewing in a section of the community called East Ascot in Portmore, St. Catherine where one resident's home expansion could cause costly damage to the homes and properties of his neighbours.

The issue which has been taken to the Portmore Municipal Council is now intensifying as the hurricane season fast approaches.

The affected residents said they are being given the "run around" by the Municipal Council and they are are now desperate for a solution.

Storm water drain

The problem started when one resident decided to build a fence in an area designated as a storm water drain. This, according to other residents in the community could prove detrimental to most of the houses on that street.

"They have started to build the fence, and if they are allowed to complete it then there will be nowhere for the water from my yard to run out. The hurricane season is coming and it could flood my home," said Lorna Anglin, one of the affected residents.

She said she has made several unsuccessful attempts to get the attention of Portmore Mayor, George Lee.

Appointment

"I called up there and his secretary told me that I can't just speak with him like that. She said I would have to make an appointment and the next available date was June 8. We are taxpayers and deserve better than this," Mrs. Anglin said.

She explained that she was told by other members of the Municipal Council that the fence was in breach of regulations, and that a stop order would have been issued. "But up to now that has still not been done and if I'm to wait until June 8 to see the mayor then by then the fence will be finished, and I would have been flooded out of my home. This is unacceptable. We are only seeking to use the proper channels to address the issue and we are being ignored," Mrs. Anglin said.

Attempts to get a comment from Mayor Lee on the matter were unsuccessful.