The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has said it will move to stop any further construction on wetlands along certain sections of the Mandela Highway.

According to Everald Anderson, an enforcement team will be going to the affected areas to put a halt to what it deems an environmental hazard.

"Once the building is on the wetland, it is illegal, and we will be checking to deal with the matter," he said.

Anderson was answering questions about the legality of a pigsty that has been erected near the major corridor connecting Spanish Town to the capital. The wooden structure is built next to the sea and becomes flooded whenever it rains heavily. To make matters worse, the sty is built in a crocodile habitat. The animals are protected under the Wildlife Act and their habitat should not be disturbed.

Horrible odour

A number of persons who spoke to The Gleaner said a horrible odour is coming from the area where the sty is located, and they hope NEPA acts swiftly to remedy the problem.

While the authorities and some persons are adversely affected by the sty, the owner, who identified himself as 'Germaine', told The Gleaner that the pigs were his source of income.

"A long time mi a raise mi hog dem. Although mi a Rasta, a just di juggling still," he said.

Water and Housing Minister Dr Horace Chang revealed recently that there were almost 700 unplanned settlements in Jamaica, accounting for high levels of indiscipline.

'Once the building is on the wetland, it is illegal, and we will be checking to deal with the matter.'