Even though a wall is being erected by the asphalt plant that operates at Boeraserie, residents of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo are still being affected by the smoke.
They told Stabroek News (SN) that the wall, which is 20 ft high and is still being expanded in width has been made with a wooden frame and construction material.
They declared that it is not serving its purpose because the smoke goes up very high and “we can’t tell the breeze where to blow.”
The residents complained that whenever the plant is operating the smell from the fumes is very high and thick black dust would be circulating. They have developed severe coughing and sinusitis.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the plant had visited the residents in September to listen to their concerns.
The residents were told that certain recommendations were made to the officials of the plant but they did not adhere to them.
An official from the EPA has informed them that the matter was expected to be raised at their board meeting to determine the next steps that would be taken.
According to residents, they are in the process of sending a letter to Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo for his intervention.
They said the plant would start working early in the mornings until late at nights and lamented that the only way to stop the discomfort they are facing is by relocating the plant.
The residents informed SN that a pregnant teacher and her young child were forced to move out of their house because of how badly they were affected.
The residents said they intend to write another letter to a senior government minister, giving an update on the status of the plant and about the visit by EPA.
The state-of-the-art US$850,000 asphalt plant was established earlier this year by two contracting companies; BK International of Guyana and Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Limited of Jamaica (SPA).
