Latest update March 26th, 2026 7:55 AM
EPA to investigate Buzz Bee Dam pollution crisis
(Kaieteur News) – In response to the ongoing pollution crisis at the Buzz Bee Dam community on the East Bank of Demerara, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said an investigation will be launched.
EPA Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram
On October 4, 2025, Kaieteur News reported that the formerly quiet, country-like neighbourhood, has become a bustling thoroughfare for heavy-duty trucks, creating severe noise, dust, and air pollution. The disruption stems from the recently commissioned four-lane highway linking the community to Great Diamond. While the new roadway has eased traffic congestion along the East Bank corridor and is expected to spur future development, residents say it has had devastating effects on their environment and quality of life.
EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsram told Kaieteur News that the agency has begun investigating the issue.
Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali visited the construction site at Buzz Bee Dam on Wednesday. He said works are almost complete. The section currently being finalised will connect Buzz Bee Dam to the Soesdyke Highway, forming part of a larger 16-lane network extending from Buzz Bee Dam to Ogle.
“As you can see, the interconnection is progressing tremendously; the workers are advancing 24/7 on this section. We are hoping that with the weather continuing to be good for construction, that by March next year we should be well advanced in the sense that all the work is dependent on weather, which is the drainage work and the excavation work will be completed so that we will have continuous flow of work,” the president said.
When Kaieteur News visited the community on Friday, homes were blanketed in thick layers of black dust stirred up by a continuous stream of passing trucks. Residents complained that the dust has invaded their homes, forcing them to keep windows and doors shut. Many said they can no longer enjoy their balconies or outdoor spaces due to the constant noise and pollution.
Queenela Cameron, a resident of over 30 years, shared that her once tranquil life has been upended. “Every day, all day, all night, trucks are 15 to 20 feet from our beds and living rooms,” she lamented. “We’re living in an environment of dust, carbon monoxide, and non-stop noise. Many nights I can’t sleep because the trucks fly over the bumps, blasting their horns. I can’t open my windows; I have to keep my fan and AC running all the time, which drives up my electricity bill. There’s fine black dust everywhere. I’m tired of sweeping. I can’t even sit on my patio anymore. It’s a living nightmare.”
Other residents echoed similar frustrations, citing persistent dust and noise pollution that have made daily living unbearable and raised growing health concerns, particularly for children and the elderly.
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
