Lack of potable water frustrates Pomeroon residents

– acidity high in river

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Vilma Da Silva noted great concerns at the Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) RDC statutory meeting over the lack of potable water in Pomeroon.
According to Da Silva the acidity level in the river is significantly high and persons cannot use it for domestic purposes. This is posing serious challenges as there are no other source of fresh water available neither do persons have containers to store water if they get any.
Da Silva described the situation as frustrating and requested the RDC to represent the interest of persons living in the Pomeroon River. She disclosed that some persons do not have any option and are often forced to use the high acidic water which is posing serious health issues.
“The people in Pomeroon are forced to bathe with salt water, the crops are dying due to the salt water, we need help due to the dry weather, persons need fresh water and are requesting black tanks from the government,” Da Silva explained.
She also reported that children have developed health problems such as rashes and skin infections. Da Silva is of the opinion that the problem could be resolved if the RDC through the REO, Rupert Hopkinson, approve the purchase of black tanks.
She also suggested if filled tanks are placed at certain locations then persons can paddle to have access.
At that point another PPP\C councillor Brian Persaud supported Da Silva’s call for black tanks to be gifted to the people of Pomeroon to ease their burdens.
Persaud said he also received complaints that the water in the Pomeroon has become unsafe for families especially children to consume. The councillors are therefore seeking the RDC’s intervention or Central Government attention into the matter.