Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Heavy smoke from fires in the Riverton City landfill covers sections of the Corporate Area, as seen from a location in Red Hills, St. Andrew. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) says residents should expect the smoke from fires at the Riverton City landfill to last for the next three to seven days.

Since Friday, a pall of smoke has been affecting communities close to the dump. But yesterday, the situation became worse with the thick smoke and choking emissions extending to faraway areas such as Half-Way Tree, Constant Spring and Red Hills in St. Andrew and Portmore in St. Catherine.

Many residents claimed this is the worst the situation has ever been.

Defective front-end loaders

Clive McDonald, landfill manager at the NSWMA, told The Gleaner yesterday that the authority has been trying to contain two fires at the municipal landfill since Friday. However, he says two defective front-end loaders and the shortage of other machines used to dump soil on the flammable materials at the site have delayed the process.

"We expected the smoke to have lasted about three days, but two (pieces of) equipment failed during the course of the fire," said Mr. McDonald. Yesterday, the NSWMA managed to obtain additional equipment from a private company, which, Mr. McLean said, has assisted in controlling the blaze.

"Persons must understand though that it takes some time to quell a fire like this, as the landfill is approximately 60 acres," he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kenneth Baugh, Opposition Spokesman on Health, said the heavy smoke emanating from the fire at the dump is having adverse effects on the health of people in neighbouring districts.

"Many people are experiencing symptoms of runny nose, stuffiness, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing and coughing," explained Dr. Baugh.

Tips

Against negative smoke effects:

Close windows and doors.

Remain indoors as much as possible.

Avoid exposing laundry outdoors to prevent contamination and staining.

- Ministry of Health