Robert Lalah, Staff ReporterAS CANTANKEROUS bush fires and severe drought conditions continue to wreak havoc across the island, leaving millions of dollars of damage to property and agricultural crops in their wake, Dean Peart, minister of land and environment said yesterday, that the government will be tackling the problem with a multi-agency response.
In an address to the nation last night, Minister Peart said a targeted programme to deal with the management of bush fires is being developed between the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the Ministry of Water and Housing, involving the use of Rapid Response trucks to support the fire services. The fire services have been seriously challenged since the start of the year, having responded to more than 700 severe cases of bush fires since January.
Minister Peart said he will be meeting with the ministers of agriculture, local government and community development, as well as the minister of water and Housing tomorrow, to examine the situation and determine what measures are to be taken. He said this is necessary, as the problem is getting worse.
DEMAND FOR WATER
"There are indications that there is significant increase in demand for water from both National Water Commission and Parish Council sources. At the same time the drought conditions are not expected to abate soon, and the yield from many of the water sources continues to decline," he said.
Mr. Peart said the government has remained concerned about the issue. This, he said, is evidenced by Cabinet's recent approval of over $12 million to alleviate the problem.
"One hundred thousand dollars of this will go to public education, $3 million to provide assistance to farmers who lost crops as a result of the bush fires, and over $9 million to assist with the trucking of water in the parishes identified as being worst
affected," he said.
Minister Peart urged residents to exercise extreme care during this dry and windy period. He noted that conservation of water is also extremely important.
"I want the nation to be assured that the Government is acutely aware of the situation and will do all in its power to ameliorate the situation and safe-guard life and property while minimising economic losses," he said. "In this endeavour, we will need the cooperation of everyone."
PEART'S TIPS TO HELP PREVENT BUSH FIRES:
Farmers should desist from using fires to clear land. Exercise care in the disposal of cigarette butts and in burning garbage.Never light a fire where it is windy and if you have to start a fire, do not leave it unattended.
