Horror gave way to fury in Waterford, St Catherine, yesterday as residents agitatedly watched a National Water Commission (NWC) tractor disconnecting the sewerage lines of several residents with outstanding bills.

It was the fear that the utility company's action could trigger a health crisis that propelled scores of residents towards the NWC equipment.

Residents noisily inquired of all who would listen - the police, NWC workers and their member of Parliament, Colin @#$an - where the affected residents would dispose of their waste.

"Where can I go to empty my bowels?" lamented 64-year-old Thelma Johnson Clarke in a quiet voice as she spoke with The Gleaner.

The elderly woman said she stumbled into the sewerage woe when she went to Waterford to bury her son, who was killed at the very spot where the tractor had created a huge hole.

Normally, the NWC disconnects the water supply of delinquent residents for non-payment.

Repeated attempts to get a comment from the NWC's communications manager, Charles Buchanan, were unsuccessful.

Johnson Clarke's infuriated neighbours shouted that the NWC's action reeked of a new level of cold cruelty.

Ironically, Waterford has a history of sewerage problems, with effluent flowing frequently from a malfunctioning system, bringing an overpowering stench with it.

Shantal Morgan, a young mother who lives two doors from Johnson Clarke, said she was another victim.

Residents pointed to a spot where a gash in the earth appeared to have been recently covered.

Morgan, with a young baby in her arms, told The Gleaner that she rented the house in 2009, with a huge outstanding bill.

"More than 30 sewerage (lines) have been cut. This never happen before in Waterford," declared a man. "A kill dem want to kill off people."

Johnson Clarke told The Gleaner that eight persons, including three children, the youngest a one-year-old toddler, occupied the house.

"How can five children live without sewage facilities?" bemoaned the golden-ager.

"They came without any (prior) notice. They had disconnected the water, but now they went much further by taking out the sewage system," she said.

Johnson Clarke claimed she found out two weeks ago that the previous occupants owed more than $99,000. She said she was served notice to regularise her situation.

"I went to them a couple of weeks ago. I don't disagree, but I told the lady that I had just returned (to Waterford) to bury my son, who was killed," said Johnson Clarke. "I told her that I don't have the money right now and it would be another two months before I can cover this bill."

However, Johnson Clarke claimed the NWC said the water supply would not be reconnected until she paid more than $66,000.

@#$an also expressed his displeasure.

"There must be a better way to deal with this type of thing (non-payment)," he told The Gleaner. "In a modern society, I don't believe we should be disconnecting the sewer system. The State must find a better way to deal with such a situation."

Added @#$an: "Why would the NWC bypass the court system?"