Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau North Constituency, Daniel Lugay has raised concerns following a major fire which occurred at the Fond Cole Landfill on Friday.
Smoke and fumes from that fire affected residents around the landfill and also passengers onboard the Royal Princess Cruise Ship which was docked at the Deep Water Harbor at the time.
Lugay told Dominica News Online (DNO) on Monday that instances when such huge fires take place there should be an evacuation plan in place for residents who had to stay home and suffer from the fumes.
“It is really sad that there was no evacuation plan and people just had to stay there and absorb that sort of fumes and I am sure it will have health implications in the future,” he said.
He stated that he also had to suffer from the fumes.
“The fire started on Friday and it burned throughout the weekend, up until last evening there was still fumes in my room,” he said.
Lugay revealed that he have never seen anything of that nature at the landfill before.
“I know there have been problems in the dumps but apparently it just couldn’t be controlled,” he stated. “Now you had the communities of Fond Cole, Yampiece, Stockfarm … the State College was affected, the hospital was affected, the prison was affected, even a Cruise Ship was affected. It seems like that fire just could not be controlled and the sad fact of the matter is we haven’t heard anyone in authority, health officials or government officials addressing that matter.”
He stated he recieved many text and Whatsapp messages from persons who were concerned and could not understand why they have not heard from government.
“I mean that is a major disaster happening over the weekend in Roseau North and you could not get a voice from government officials,” Lugay said. “That is very sad and unfortunate and residents are very concerned, especially institutions in close proximity to the dump site who are affected by the fire, the flames and the fumes.”
He noted that there must be clear protocols for the management of a dump.
“I couldn’t understand why tires were set of fire. I mean we have had recommendations in the past to have these tires recycled and used in materials from paving roads and that is the proper thing that should be done,” he explained. “If we cannot do the recycling in Dominica, these tires should have been shipped to another country where they could be recycle properly for use on roads and other fashions that can benefit society.”
Lugay said he intends to visit the Management of the Fond Cole Landfill to receive some explanation in order to address residents of the Roseau North Constituency.
we need to look at the correct pictures at time. is it always the politicians we always have to look at ,don’t matter if they are the government or the opposition. what about the departments charged with the responsibilities to handle these situations. we need to hear from them.they are the ones to talk first. of course the departments which play major roles are the fire department as the main one for response,police for security,thee both above mentioned to coordinate evacuation.
but we really need to look at the capabilities of our fire department in this light, are they properly equipped? do they have sufficient man power? are they properly trained to work in these environments?
what do you all think?
Lugay have to work because he is now getting paid. I guess the smoke clogged his eardrums because lots of government officials were on the airwaves talking. maybe he means the government is Skerrit.
Very valid points Mr. Lugay the people should have been evacuated, on health grounds. The effect on people with lung conditions and the young babies at the hospital, will e long-term. Can;t blame the government however. It is careless error .The government need to develope some sort of policy for the future.
Y u all da people like putting blame on govt for everything think before openinyourmouth
who should be blamed,thats why the country is a disgrace now.
Total disrespect for the people,what about the elderly, children and those with respiratory illness did anyone gave out face mask or plan to evacuate for a day or two.how about an apology, the cruise ship is gone and DA people is stuck there to inhale the fumes. Not a word from the person in charge or any government official shame on you guys, you treat your people like they are insignificant
Stupes! Just tired of politics not settleling down. Is that i vote you for nor. Stupes. Let the Health, Fire and Ambulance, Tourism and Government do their work they alaready have the matter under control. You well late.
You people really think Skerrit and his little boys give one cent about you all.With such a health hazard another common sense human being would take to the media and addresse this drastic situation,but the great jesus as so many of you the supporters call him accept what he gives.Soon many citizens will stare complaining about respiratory problems.JUST A NOTE TO THE WISE,THIS FIRE IS STILL BURNING UNDERGROUND AND WILL IGNITE AGAIN.,OUR LORD AND SAVIOR PLEASE SAVE OUR YOUNG INNOCENT CHILDREN FROM THIS GENOCIDE.
so example if the volcano erupt with ash, you mean to tell me the health official don’t have masks available to hand out to the public, come on so we just going to suffocate