Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 16, 2011 News
– To be fully covered by October 8
The piles of garbage being covered at the now-closed dumpsite at Le Repentir have become the highest land point on the coast, government says.
According to Senior Engineer, Walter Willis, there are, however, no immediate plans to have the dumpsite converted into a residential area.
Rather, the facility, spanning an entire stretch of land from Cemetery Road to Mandela Avenue and bordered by Lodge and North East La Penitence, can now be considered prime property.
Since being closed on January 31, there have been moves to cover the garbage piles which over the years have been an eyesore and health concern.
Residents of the surrounding areas have suffered from the pungent smells and the accidental and deliberate fires which constantly covered the area in smoke.
The closure of the Le Repentir dumpsite was done after another facility was opened at Haags Bosch, aback of Eccles village, East Bank Demerara on February 1.
On Wednesday, last, Willis briefed a number of reporters during a tour of the old site, on current works underway to cover the garbage, while explaining that the authorities were faced with garbage overflowing near Cemetery Road at the end of January.
With the Haags Bosch site opened, it became clear the challenges that were faced at Le Repentir.
Currently, on a daily basis, almost 350 tonnes of garbage is dumped at Haags Bosch.
At this rate, Willis explained, Cell 1 at that site could be filled within 8-10 years. However, government is hoping to implement measures that will have households separate garbage, similar to what developed countries are doing. This will allow for recycling and reduce the amount of garbage in the long run.
Under the Georgetown Solid Waste Programme with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), some $64.5M was allotted for the closure of the Le Repentir dumpsite which for years catered for garbage from the city and its environs.
Over time, the dumpsite utilised three cells, with two already having been covered and the third now being worked on.
On April 29, a contract commenced to cover Cell 3 and this was slated to conclude on August 29. However, the weather and other factors will now see works continuing until October 8, Willis disclosed.
Already, a ramp to the Cell 3 garbage pile – that could have been seen from Cemetery Road – has been removed, and the sides are being shaped with the top covered with clay (dirt).
According to Willis, the main concern of the government now is the risk of fire, whether deliberate or accidental in nature.
With the dirt now covering the garbage, any fire is bound to burn itself out in two days.
A road leading through the cemetery is also to be rehabilitated.
There were instances that the site, managed by the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown, covered tombs as the piles of garbage grew.
There was not any evident odour on the dumpsite during the tour on Wednesday.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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