The Editor, Sir:

A Gleaner reader recently pointed to the unsatisfactory conditions at the municipal dump located at Hart Hill near Buff Bay. A serious long-term problem for the community is the unauthorised burning of garbage at the facility. For several mornings now, the communities of Windsor Castle and Hart Hill have been enveloped by thick smoke emanating from the dump. This presents a clear and imminent danger to health. If left unchecked, one of the most desirable residential areas in this part of the parish may soon degenerate into another Riverton City dump, which much too frequently spews unhealthy fumes over large areas of Kingston and Portmore.

Irritation of the eyes

It is reported that waste from as far as St. Ann, in addition to Portland and St. Mary, is deposited at the dump. Indeed, only a week ago, a thick smoke from the dump caused severe irritation of the eyes at Aldon, Windsor Castle, even as a fire burned at the dump for over two days.

The long-term implications are clear; some balance must be struck between the need to properly dispose waste without endangering the health of citizens. Both communities need a strong, concerted effort to lobby the local authorities to put in place stricter control measures at the dump before the situation gets worse.

I am, etc.,

BASIL STEWART

Buff Bay P.O.