Human tragedy waiting to unfold

The very last thing on their minds was the production of green-house gases that contribute to global warming. Neither were they in the least concerned about the disposal of the tons of hazardous waste from Alutrin’s aluminium smelter. Their concerns are much more mundane. Will the entire community comprising 190 homes downwind of the smelter, be relocated? Are they going to be adequately compensated? Does the National Energy Corporation really expect them to move into the "tool sheds" being constructed at Pier Road?

A human tragedy of colossal magnitude is gradually unfolding in the deep South, unknown, it appears, to the rest of the national community. In its insane rush to industrialisation and the acquisition of First World status by 2020, the Patrick Manning administration is quite prepared to literally wipe rural communities off the map.

Just down the Southern Main Road from Square Deal Corner lies Union Village, a 100-year-old settlement comprising 80 homes. The entire village is earmarked for obliteration, along with 27 hectares of "well developed secondary forest" to further expand the Industrial Estate. Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment and the eventual bulldozing of Union Village have already been finalised by the environmental Management Authority and delivered to the National Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of the National Gas Company.

The humble folks of Square Deal Corner, along with their neighbours at Union Village, have been traumatised by the destruction of the forest and its abundant wildlife to make way for the Industrial Estate. Now their very homes are earmarked for oblivion. They must uproot themselves and start over again, in a location far from congenial. In their utter despondency, they surely must reflect on the insensitivity (as well as the insanity) of those who wield power over this blighted land.

In conclusion, I wish to make a constructive suggestion to the NGC, UIE South West, north of Vance River, 45 hectares of which have been levelled should be utilised for the construction of apartment blocks to accommodate all the residents of Square Deal Corner as well as those in Vessigny downwind of the Aluminium Complex. Such a move would also save Union Village and its adjacent forest.

The National Gas Company has stated quite explicitly that it is committed to "preserving the social fabric of the community." It now has the opportunity to demonstrate this commitment.

ISHMAEL SAMAD

Maraval