Portmore councillors sound alarm over unapproved asphalt plant on Dyke Road
Published:Monday | October 13, 2025 | 12:07 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
The erection of an asphalt plant along Dyke Road in Portmore, St Catherine has sparked outrage among councillors who say the facility is being built without the necessary approvals from the Portmore Municipal Corporation.
At last Wednesday’s general meeting of the corporation, Waterford Division Councillor Fenley Douglas revealed that no approval was granted for the construction of the plant, which is reportedly being developed near several residential communities, including Waterford.
“From my understanding, the developer of the plant started construction and they are now on building two while no approval was granted,” Douglas told the meeting.
“My understanding also [is that] a stop order was served by council ordering the developers to cease and desist; however, they continued to build, disregarding the notice from the municipal council.”
Douglas warned that residents of his division and nearby communities face serious health risks from the toxic fumes that could be generated once the plant becomes operational.
“While I support local economic development, I am also cognisant that such a plant in the middle of populated communities cannot be good for the citizenry,” he said.
Douglas said he had consulted environmental experts who confirmed his worst fears about the potential dangers, including cancer. He also raised concerns about the possible decline in property values for homes in the surrounding areas.
He stressed that, as a councillor, he has a fiduciary duty to safeguard the well-being of his constituents.
“For the people of Portmore, I am begging that this council use its power to stop this imminent danger to the citizens,” Douglas pleaded.
In response, Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas assured the council that action has already been taken to address the situation.
“The necessary notices have been served and we will take this matter to our lawyers for further action. We are also calling on the National Environment and Planning Agency, the agency with responsibility for the environment, [to] come onboard,” Thomas stated.
“I know that our officers have visited the site and served the necessary notices and we will send a follow-up letter. It can’t be that the smaller man will adhere to the notices of the municipality, but the person who believes that they have the resources can bypass the municipality, we will not stand for this,” Thomas assured.
Efforts by The Gleaner to get a comment from the individuals responsible for the construction and operation of the asphalt plant proved unsuccessful, as repeated attempts to make contact were met with no response.