Wastewater has been leaking onto Bridge Street for months, creating an unbearable stench, disrupting business and posing potential health risks.
“The smell is more than one can bear. It’s really, really bad,” said Rosemond Clery, a vendor operating near the affected area. He explained that customers are increasingly reluctant to stop. “They want to continue walking… they don’t want to stay there too long,” he said.
Clery added that the situation has worsened over time, with water flowing “heavier than normal” and collecting in potholes along the roadway. Attempts to patch the area have proven ineffective. “I saw they filled in the pothole with some cement… but if you take a look at it now, it’s still a pothole,” she said. She explained that the cement cannot set because water keeps flowing.
The situation has also raised safety concerns. Clery shared a story about a woman who slipped and got her feet wet in the wastewater, which he warned “carries a lot of bacteria”.
Another vendor, who did not want to give their name, said the problem started when construction began at the Dennery bus stop. “The smell has been affecting our small business…customers really want to stop along that way” but are discouraged by the conditions.
The vendor also pointed out that many businesses appear to be relying more on air conditioning: “All business places are now closing their doors and using ACs.” She is stressed at the urgency of the situation, stating that “something needs to be done effectively immediately because this is sewer water.”
Berthia John of Good Old Days Snacks said dealing with the problem every day is unpleasant and disruptive. “The smell has not been something great to be inhaling on a daily basis,” she said, calling the situation in the city “disgusting”.
She also highlighted the risks posed by passing vehicles. “Every time a vehicle passes…sometimes the water splashes on you,” she said, noting that some drivers are inconsiderate despite the visible conditions. John expressed concern about prolonged exposure, warning that sickness could arise in their bodies from sitting close to the wastewater and inhaling the smell.
She added that vendors do not have many choices, saying, “you kind of just have to stay where you are,” though some decide to close early to avoid the problem.
Another person affected by the problem said it does not just impact vendors, but everyone. The situation gets worse when it rains, as “the smell gets worse” and the water spreads farther down the street.
This person called for faster action, saying, “I think they are too slow in fixing these small issues,” and urged officials to act “as soon as possible” because of the possible health risks.
In response, the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) said it does not operate or maintain any sewer line along Bridge Street and clarified that the issue falls outside of its responsibility.
The company acknowledged public concerns but stated that “the matter does not fall under WASCO’s current sewerage infrastructure network or operational responsibility.” It said that “the relevant authorities or responsible parties must be engaged to address the matter”.
WASCO also encouraged people to report wastewater problems through the right channels. The company repeated its promise to help manage water and wastewater systems across Saint Lucia.
