East End/Long Look gets stern warning from Premier

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has declared that sewage running through the streets of East End and Long Look will no longer be tolerated, as the Long Swamp Pump Station nears completion and preparations begin to connect households to the system.

Speaking during a site update on the project, officials stated that the station is approximately 85 per cent complete and is expected to be fully commissioned within the next six weeks, allowing sewage to be pumped to the Paraquita Bay Treatment Plant for proper processing.

“This has been a long journey, and I want to assure the people of the Seventh and Eighth Districts that we are committed to putting this problem behind us once and for all,” Premier Wheatley said. “What will not be allowed is for sewage water to run on the roads. That is not a matter of choice. If you don’t have adequate provision for sewage disposal, the best thing to do is to connect to the system so we don’t have to take it to the next level.”

The Premier reminded residents that there is existing legislation that can be enforced through Environmental Health to prevent sewage from being improperly discharged into streets and guts.

“We don’t necessarily have to go down that road,” he said, “but if persons continue to allow sewage to run onto the streets, enforcement action can and will be taken.”

The Ministry of Communications and Works is encouraging all residents and businesses in East End, Long Look, Greenland, and Fat Hogs Bay to sign up with the Water and Sewerage Department for free connections, which will be provided until 2026.

Ministry officials said assessors will visit properties to determine the best way to make connections, with all costs for trenching and laterals covered by the government.

BioSafe contractor Kern Mitchell said crews are waiting on final panels and one last road closure to complete the manhole connection and electrical works.

“Give or take a month or two, we should be finalising and closing up this project,” Joseph said.

Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn also urged residents to take advantage of the free connections, noting that sewage problems have plagued the community for decades.

In the meantime, Premier Wheatley emphasised that the project represents a significant investment in public health, road preservation, and environmental protection.

“This sewage system is a benefit to the entire community. Let’s keep our communities beautiful, clean, and healthy,” he said.