Rambachan sympathises with Forres Park Landfill residents

LOCAL Government Minister Suruj Rambachan, said yesterday he sympathised with residents living in communities near the Forres Park Landfill and promised that measures are being undertaken to ease their frustration.

He was responding to a protest by residents last week Friday, after a fire at the landfill sent smoke billowing blanket of thick smoke to cover the area.

The Springvale Hindu School was shut down, as pupils complained of feeling unwell.

Six pupils were treated at hospital for respiratory problems and sent home.

Rambachan said a team has been appointed to monitor the landfill, while medical personnel treat ailing residents.

“And I myself have visited the dump several times. I understand the landfill ignited again last week and foam had to be used to put out the fire. It is definitely a health hazard and residents have every right to be frustrated,” he said.

Rambachan said proposals to reduce the size of the landfill were submitted to the ministry and are being examined.

“This is a huge landfill and we are examining all possibilities,” he said.

Rambachan said the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) continues to monitor the situation and keep in contact with residents.

The Springvale Hindu School and a nearby preschool were closed several times this term because of the burning landfill. Residents complain of nausea, vomiting, itching, burning eyes and headaches.

Last Friday an ambulance was stationed in the community, while hundreds of dust masks were distributed to residents.

A team from the ODPM visited the area and held an emergency meeting with residents.

Carl Lackhee, a 78-year-old resident, said their lives were being disrupted by the landfill.

“The first half of the year the smoke affecting us and the second half is the smell. We need some kind of normalcy here. They have to move this dump or we will always have this problem,” he said.

Express