The Alliance For Change (AFC) is  demanding that the relevant authorities immediately get the rice mill owner in Cane Grove on the  East Coast to rectify the dust pollution that has been affecting residents for over a decade.

The party said in a press release that AFC Chairman  Khemraj Ramjattan and executive member Gerhard Ramsaroop along with political activist Freddie Kissoon paid a visit to Cane Grove on the invitation of the residents. “They were lamenting the continued problems they arefacing with dust emanating from the rice mill operated by Mr Feyaadul Hakh for over a decade now,” the release stated.

Dust gathered by a householder (AFC photo)

 

Residents showed the AFC representatives their homes where the dust was evident everywhere.  They are forced to keep their windows locked but even that does not keep the dust out, the release noted. One resident came with her child who she said has respiratory ailments because of the dust.  Another resident had to buy a blower to help control the dust in her yard.

Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC speaking to residents (AFC photo)

Meanwhile, documents were shown to the AFC indicating that no environmental permit was granted to Hakh nor was permission given to erect additional silos.

Residents also pointed to the encroachment on the reserve by Hakh. According to the release, the AFC has expressed its disgust that these flagrant breaches are being tolerated for so long.  

Moreover, the AFC noted, despite numerous promises by Hakh and government officials, including past President, Bharrat Jagdeo and former Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, the situation has actually worsened.