The Regional Health Services (RHS) of the Ministry of Health is carrying out tests to determine the cause of an ailment among residents of the remote community of Chinowieng in Region 7.
This newspaper had reported recently that several residents of the small Cuyuni/Mazaruni community had been experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting, symptoms which they noted were related to apparent pollution of the nearby Haieka River.
A senior official attached to the RHS told Stabroek News yesterday that a diverse team of doctors, medics, laboratory technicians and other personnel attached to the Environmental Health Unit of the ministry had travelled to the community after reports were made public of the situation there.
He said that the teams carried out a complete examination of the situation and according to him the findings were “not as alarming” as was reported. He noted however, that the teams did examine several persons who complained that they were experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting and according to him the cases were addressed and the relevant medication was dispensed to those affected.
He said that the teams collected a dead fish, worms which are common in the riverain area as well as more than 40 stool samples from residents which are being analyzed in the city. The official noted too that the team distributed medical supplies which it had anticipated would have been necessary based on the reports the RHS received. There is a health post at Chinowieng staffed by two community health workers (CHW) and it was noted too by the official that health posts exist in other communities nearby. The tests being undertaken should be completed within another few weeks, the official reported.
Meanwhile, this newspaper was informed yesterday that the community remained skeptical about using the water from the nearby river while instances of dead fish floating in the river continued to be observed. Laura George of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) noted that the organization was in contact with residents of the community and it is monitoring the situation.
Earlier this month, residents of the community, which is located south of Imbaimadai, expressed concern about the situation noting that fish was a staple there. A source at Bartica told this newspaper that miners who operate in the area had related to her that the water along the Haieka River was being polluted by a mining operation.
However, a source at the environmental division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) told this newspaper earlier this week that checks were made in the area by the mining body and according to him, there were no reports of pollution.
Chinowieng is approximately one hour from the Haieka River by foot and several persons live along the river bank. The waterway is usually high during the latter half of the year.
