Mahaica : A ministerial team comprising Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker met with residents of Strathavon at the West Strathavon Cricket Ground and those of Cane Grove, Mahaica at the Cane Grove Neighbhourhood Democratic Council. The team was delegated by President Donald Ramotar following complaints to him by the residents of dust pollution experienced daily due to the operations of a rice mill located in Cane Grove owned by Faizul Hack.
A Government Information Agency report says Cane Grove residents were concerned about the emissions from the mill while the Strathavon residents focused on the disposal of paddy husks were by the miller. They accused him of illegally disposing of and burning paddy waste on nearby land in close proximity to their homes.
Residents acknowledged the importance and need for the milling operation, and the fact that it provides for the livelihood of a number of residents of both villages and also serves farmers of both communities who utilize the facility to mill their paddy. The residents however maintained their concerns that the emissions pose a serious health risk for themselves and families many of whom are babies.
Cane Grove residents suggested that more effective measures be put in place at the mill to control the emission levels while the Strathavon residents pointed out that the miller has alternative land available at his disposal, further aback of Strathavon that can be used for disposal and burning of the paddy husks.
Following the meeting with the residents, the Ministerial team also met privately with mill owner Faizul Hack at the Cane Grove NDC during which Hack was allowed to answer some of the charges levied against him.
Hack accepted full responsibility for dumping and burning paddy husk on the land that lies in close proximity to the Strathavon residents, but claimed that he owns the property.
The residents raised additional concerns affecting the communities including bad road conditions and careless disposal of residential garbage that causes clogged drains and trenches. They were advised that the solution to these issues will be dealt with by the NDC with assistance from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
On concerns about electricity at West Strathavon scheme, residents were advised that personnel from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) have already begun the preliminary work in that area.
The Ministerial team will make a follow-up visit to present a progress report to the residents in two weeks.
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