– after residents complain of leakages, health risks
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has, over the weekend, ordered a halt to the operations of the Demerara Distillers Limited’s Bio-Methanisation Plant, after residents who live in close proximity thereof complained about the health risks involved, among other factors.
The waste water lodged in a passageway at Great Diamond
During this publication’s visit to the area on Monday, the stench emanating from the plant was almost unbearable, and leaks could be seen accumulated in yards, along the roadside, and in drains. However, EPA officials were on site, carrying out an inspection and assessing the situation.
It was noted that initial inspections had found that the company was in violation of certain safety regulations, hence the cease order was issued. The company has since agreed to comply with the order, and has committed to working towards an amicable solution.
Residents of the community came out in their numbers to air their concerns over this matter, which has been plaguing them for years. They alleged that several complaints had been made to both Government and the company, but to no avail. The residents accused DDL of having total disregard for persons living in the area.
Radica (only name given) said she has been residing in the community for the past nine years, during which this problem had gotten from bad to worse. She explained that she takes care of her two young grandchildren, and the odour emanating from the plant has been posing health issues for them, as quite frequently she has to rush these children to the Emergency Unit of the hospital.
“It’s (been) going on a long time now, but it’s getting worse now. The scent is too much now. It’s so strong sometimes we have to go outside to get fresh air. We can’t sleep in peace; this thing ah strangle people in their sleep. We pleading for help; it’s too much now. I have to be taking these kids, spending a set of money at the hospital steady for rash and breathing problems,” she complained.
Another resident, Candace Thomas, explained that she had been forced out of her home, along with her five children, because DDL has erected a fence which goes to the middle of her house.
She said she is not squatting; the area has been regularised and she has paid for her house lot.
“I had to move out! And I’m staying at my mother right through the street. The people put their fence right here, and because I’m so close to the tanks, all the waste water flooding the yard and turning like grey mud. If you only slip there, it meeting to your knee…this is what we are forced to live in. I paid for my lot, and up to now I can’t get any documents from Housing. Every time we running to them, excuses,” she stated.
Further, Jason December, another resident, said the situation is unfair to the residents, and the company has neither regard nor respect for persons living in the area.
He said he cannot even walk around his yard, because the waste water is continuously lodged there. He added that the area is a main breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“This is really bad for us! We fed-up of this! (For) years, we (have been) suffering, and no one seems to care about us. Smell this place! It stink-stink! Look
at this yard…all here is just mud and black water. Look at the condition of these houses in here! This could be fair?” he questioned.
Residents are calling on the Housing Department to look into the matter and make house lots available for them, since they have no issue with relocating. They urged the authorities and company to put measures in place to support their relocation.
