KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) is refuting claims that the 300-metre Westward Extension of the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) runway is the cause of seawater ingress or increased water levels in Port Royal.

This follows concerns raised by Member of Parliament for Kingston East and Port Royal Phillip Paulwell surrounding what he described as inadequate consultation surrounding the development project at the NMIA. Paulwell said the issue was particularly concerning as Port Royal has recently experienced flooding during high tides, with seawater now invading sections of the roadway.

READ: WATCH: Paulwell raises concerns over airport runway expansion