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Dump site a health hazard claims MP

angered near-by residents who are once again being plagued by sewage particles in their water tanks and the stench of garbage.

PLP MP for Pembroke East Central, Mr. Stanley Morton, complained yesterday that the site had become a health hazard.

And with complaints increasing as the weather becomes warmer, Mr. Morton demanded that something be done to improve the situation.

"They're not keeping cattle there, people live around the perimeter of the dump,'' he said. "I've seen particles (of sewage) in people's tanks and on their roofs. Government knows it's a problem, especially for the people living immediately on the perimeter.

"If the Environment Minister was concerned, she would be on to the Public Works Department to see that these things are kept in the proper state. It's where people live and they have children. I'm mainly concerned about the health of these people.'' Mr. Morton claimed that over the past weekend, several truckers working overtime dumped garbage without covering it with landfill as is the normal procedure.

"As the pulverisation people were not working, they just dumped it there.

There are tractors there, all they needed was to get some sand and rubble and cover it over.

"Particles have been found in resident's tanks and on their roofs. Better care ought to be given as to the treatment of garbage to avoid the smell and pollution in the air or to keep it at a minimum. It affects a wide area, Friswells Hill, Palmetto Road, Parsons Road and as far away as Angle Street.

"I'm getting calls all the time, I've had four just this weekend and I had a visit from an aggrieved person this morning.

"I gather they had cutbacks in overtime and all that sort of thing, but it's of prime importance. No amount of money should be spared in trying to achieve some minimum standard. Government is being lax in its responsibility.'' Mr. Morton said in addition to better care, an on-going inspection was necessary.

"The only time any action is taken is usually when it is reported to the press,'' he said. "The dump is in the most thickly populated area of Bermuda.

"Government should inspect people's tanks and roofs constantly, particularly those on the perimeter area.'' Minister for Works and Engineering the Hon. Clarence Terceira, could not be reached for comment last night.