When will those in authority definitively address the dumpsite problem?

Sep 13, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
It is with deep vexation and in an environment of discomfort that I write this letter. The sentiments I will express are on behalf of the residents of North East, La Penitence and the larger La Penitence community that are experiencing grave uneasiness.

For the past weeks we citizens of these communities have been besieged in noxious and hazardous smoke from the Mandela landfill site.

This is the countless time we are experiencing this phenomenon after numerous commitments expressed by the Georgetown municipality for security measures to prevent individuals from accessing the area and ignite materials that have caused recent fires.

The impact of this thick blanket of smoke is daily with no apparent end in sight due to the current dry weather.

A recent occurrence of a similar kind was in the month of August, which was eventually extinguished by torrential rains.

The effects of this noxious and hazardous smoke on citizens are many, including eye irritation, nasal congestion and impaired visual in the environs we dwell.

The result of these could be a health crisis on the local health centers, noting the young and the elderly are more vulnerable to illnesses.

The thick blanket of smoke does not only affect residents but also pedestrians and motorists that frequent these areas since low visibility can lead to accidents on the roadways in these highly populated communities, especially at nights.

One can also become vulnerable to thieves since rogue elements can easily commit crimes and comfortably escape unnoticed.

Daily chores of residents and businesspersons are affected too. Simple task such as washing is now a challenge for when clothes are placed to dry in the sun they are discoloured with a stench of the smoke and almost all corners of one’s home smell smoky.

Businesses are operating in an environment discomforting to staff and customers that may spell losses since the environment is unbearable to provide optimum service.

All the of above is amidst the systematic reoccurrence of the occasional raging fire and emission of noxious and hazardous smoke from the Mandela landfill. Is the dumpsite now an incinerator noting it has been exhausted?

How can the Mayor be of disservice and sleep at nights when his constituents are in total discomfort? How can the government turn a blind eye when citizens are treated inhumanly?

Why are the Georgetown municipality and Local Government Ministry not definitively addressing this problem? Why is there a reactionary posture to problems by the authorities than one of being proactive?

It is incidences of such and the ‘eyes-pass’ by authorities that cause many Guyanese to loose confidence in state institutions and flee their country of birth.

My hope is that this letter is taken heed to with remedial measures to address the ‘smoky situation’ at the Mandela landfill that would see its eventual closure.

It is unbearable to residents to endure the noxious and hazardous smoke and unforgivable that the relevant authorities have citizens enduring environmental conditions of an inhuman kind.
Jermaine Grant

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