Affiance residents call for EPA visit over air polluting rice mill

Residents living in close proximity to a rice mill at Affiance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to visit the area with a view to implement mechanisms in an effort to reduce the level of pollution affecting residents.
Residents are currently being affected by dust, smoke and noise pollution emanating from the operations. About eight families living in close proximity to the business operation are predominantly affected.
Interviews conducted with residents on numerous occasions revealed they met with the owners twice to state their concerns, most of which went unanswered. One resident related that negotiations with the entity began one year ago, when the entity agreed to construct new houses for the affected persons. Guyana Times understands that houses were constructed at La Union, but when construction was completed, the business later put those lots for sale. As such, residents say, they continue to suffer on a daily basis.
Every morning they are awakened by loud noises emanating from the rice mill and chowmein factory, and there is also an unpleasant scent emanating from nearby chicken pens.
Frustrated, residents are currently contemplating legal action against the businessman.
Their plight has prompted a visit by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall to the region. He met with, and advised, affected residents. During an interview with the MP, he explained that residents are surrounded by a factory.
Nandalall said that according to the Environmental Protection Agency Act, before any factory can be established, an Environment Impact Assessment is required. This is basically an examination of the consequences the factory would have on the environment, as well as to the persons living in close proximity.
He further explained that the house lots residents are occupying were sold to them by the businessman’s family 40 years ago, but, to date, no resident has received transport for the land occupied, although residents have constructed permanent structures and have been living on the premises for over 10 years.
Nandlall has said he would make necessary representation for the residents, since they are severely affected. Residents are therefore calling on the businessman to provide the houses and house lots that were promised to them, or to come to an amicable solution on the way forward.