Beetham residents protest water crisis, ammonia stench

BEETHAM residents are raising alarms over an ammonia stench that has left many feeling ill.

The problem began on June 21 when employees at the Coconut Growers Association (CGA) in Laventille identified a chemical leak  from the company’s refrigeration system.

Eight employees were hospitalised as a result.

CGA, Success Laventille RC School and other businesses had to close early.

The leak and subsequent response caused bumper-to-bumper traffic along the Priority Bus Route and Beetham Highway as fire officers and police shut down the immediate area.

Speaking with Newsday on June 25, one resident who preferred to remain anonymous said the stench is making the community feel unwell.

Compounding the distress, Beetham Gardens has also been dealing with ongoing water and sewage issues for months.

Last month residents held a peaceful demonstration to highlight the ongoing issue of sewer lines leaking and overflowing onto the roads and into people’s homes.

Meanwhile, two significant leaks in the Hollis 24-inch water main have left many homes without a reliable water supply.

"We are unable to get water to our houses and WASA trucks just drive by on the bus route, see the leak and do nothing about it," one disgruntled resident said.

Residents says calls to the local councillor and MP have gone unanswered, adding to their frustration.

"We have to rely on a nearby standpipe and carry water by hand to provide for our families.

“When water does come through the pipes, it’s brown," another resident said.

Residents say children in the community have fallen ill from drinking the contaminated water and developed sores from bathing with it.

When Newsday contacted WASA on June 25, representatives responded that they were previously unaware of the leaks but promised to address the issue.