The Editor, Sir:

The Jamaica Environment Trust is very concerned about the effects on air quality of the fire at Riverton City. According to news reports, the fire was caused by a methane fire which has spread because of high winds. Methane is a highly flammable gas, which can cause serious human health impacts particularly for children, the elderly and anyone with respiratory illnesses. Further, once the dump is burning, other toxic materials will ignite as well. The effects of this fire are currently being felt all over Kingston.

Poor management

The poor management of the Riverton City dump is a problem of very long standing. Despite many promises over the years, the dump remains a major health hazard for the capital city, with fires occurring frequently. Equipment to properly cover the dump is often unserviceable, there is insufficient sorting of hazardous material, and many people live in very close proximity to the dump.

The Jamaica Environment Trust calls on the Ministry of Health and the Environment to take immediate steps to ensure this particular fire is extinguished as soon as is feasible, to warn vulnerable populations of the health risks while it continues to burn, and to ensure that the various government agencies with responsibilities for solid waste management deal with the entirely unsatisfactory situation at Riverton (and many other dumps in the island) as a priority.

I am, etc.,

DIANA McCAULAY

Chief Executive Officer

Jamaica Environment Trust

11 Waterloo Road

Kingston 10