Central is nightmare for CNG users

Firstly, a person pays approximately $10,000 to install a CNG system in their vehicle. We are advised that it is ozone friendly, cheaper to maintain than a diesel engine, less noisy, does not damage your suspension system as a diesel engine does, etc, but when you examine the disadvantages, they add up to total frustration. Apart from the extremely long lines you have to face to acquire a tank of CNG, you have to face broken down pumps at various stations, where gas station employees refuse to report broken down pumps claiming that "we don’t make no kinda money with CNG and alluh jus crowding and dirtying the gas station." You have to face long lines, broken down pumps and bad attitudes and disrespect from some people who do not even have a school leaving certificate.

On leaving Port-of-Spain en-route to San Fernando the first pump on Beetham has been broken for approximately three weeks, Barataria roundabout is always crowded, Chaguanas CNG pump has been under repairs for approximately two years. The next stop is San Fernando where the system is more reliable.

Living in Central is a nightmare for CNG users. Arima is a paradise. I am sincerely asking the Minister of Energy to please take some time off his busy schedule to assist us in our plight, because very soon frustration may get the better of us and we may have to join the thousands of diesel engine users who pump this annoying, stifling black smoke into people’s cars, especially in these heavy traffic conditions. We are trying to preserve the environment, please help us to do so and to promote this ozone friendly gas. Show us you care about our environment too Mr Minister. I look forward to your response and the genuine intervention to ease our hardships Mr Minister.

JEROME ANDREWS

Chaguanas