The part of the landfill bordering Le Repentir Cemetery was yesterday afternoon the scene of another fire and residents in the area continued to express disgust at the situation.
The fire began around 2 pm yesterday and residents in the area reported hearing a few loud explosions before the section of the landfill which borders the cemetery erupted in flames.
According to Savage Street, West La Penitence resident Elaine Taylor, she was in her home carrying out her chores when she heard a few ‘popping explosions’ coming from the direction of the cemetery.
She said she peered out of her windows, was greeted by “thin white smoke” and she soon began to lock up her home.
The 82-year old woman noted that, “for too long this thing happening and like we gon be seeing it for a long time”.
Another resident noted that he was standing on Savage Street when he heard persons shouting that the landfill was “blazing again”. He said that the flames soon engulfed a section of the landfill and thick black smoke blanketed the area.
When Stabroek News arrived on the scene, workers at the landfill were attempting to smother the blaze with the use of a few bulldozers and an excavator.
A security official noted that no media house was allowed to enter the compound of the cemetery, and he added that “everything here under control”. But as he spoke the flames spread in the background and other workers noted that the fire service was notified.
Residents in the area noted that the situation will continue to haunt the nearby communities unless the ‘litter pickers’ are removed from the area.
One resident noted that on most occasions it was the ‘litter pickers’ who would set the site on fire and according to him the area needed to be better secured.
Shortly after 3 pm a fire tender arrived on the scene and the firemen immediately began to mobilize themselves.
Late yesterday afternoon residents noted that the flames had been put out but they noted later that thick smoke as well as a strong stench emanating from the site continued to affect them.
Last month, the authorities disclosed that a cell within the much anticipated Haag Bosch solid waste facility aback Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) would be ready for operation before the end of this month.
This was disclosed after the contractor and the relevant officials met with President Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss the issue.
Social activist Mark Benschop and columnist Freddie Kissoon were placed before the courts late last year for their actions in blocking access to the landfill, citing the health concerns among other issues affecting nearby residents.
Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall had appealed to residents to remain patient as the authorities worked to remedy the situation there.
