Scrap yard dealers deny contributing to spread of dengue

Senior Reporter

kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt

As dengue cases and deaths continue to rise, the Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers’ Association (TTSIDA) is giving the assurance that its scrap yards are not contributing to the spread of the disease.

However, its president, Allan Ferguson, has admitted that the scrap yards are crowded.

Speaking to Guardian Media via telephone yesterday, he said while they had been trying to keep the scrapyards clean, it was difficult to keep the water away during the rainy season.

He explained that the crowded scrap yards were due to the slow pace of business.

As such, he is now calling on Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon to help boost business.

He said, “When it’s rainy season, how much you could do? When you trying to keep water away, but the rain always coming? So, the whole thing about it is, as long as you keep your yards clean, I don’t think it will be an issue, and that’s the duty of the scrap yards. But it’s not like around the scrap yards, people getting bitten with mosquitoes or anything.”

He added, “The Minister of Health (Terrence Deyalsingh) would have said the scrapyard going down the highway have so much of material, but the reason why the scrap yards have so much material is because the system is moving slow. You have to wait months and months to export, and because of the slowness of the industry; that is why the yards have so much material in it. I think they need to work out how they could try to increase the industry to move a little faster. It cannot continue with only having eight inspectors. That’s the problem right now.”

One of the scrap yards is located on the outskirts of Chaguanas borough, just before Bejucal Road heading south, but it falls under the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation.

Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation chairman Josiah Austin told Guardian Media that the corporation was currently looking into relocating the scrapyard.

Austin said, “This is something we are looking into. We’ve identified another spot in Piarco near the airport. Our public health department is investigating.”

Guardian Media also reached out to Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed, who said, “To address the concern of mosquito breeding at such sites, it is critical to ensure that no stagnant water is present, as it can serve as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, potentially leading to health hazards like dengue. It is possible that the company sprays their compound daily to address this concern, but without direct knowledge or observation, I cannot make any definitive statements. Given the potential implications of this issue, I believe it is imperative that the Ministry of Health conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken. Public health and safety must remain a priority, and I trust that the appropriate authorities will take the necessary steps to address any concerns.”

He added, “I would like to offer some advice to the scrap metal dealer in question. If you have not already done so, I strongly encourage you to implement robust measures to manage water accumulation on your property. Regular spraying, if not already a part of your routine, should be considered as a proactive measure to prevent any potential health risks in this case dengue. Your commitment to these practices will not only safeguard your operations but also contribute to the overall well-being of the surrounding community.”

Govt extends

Meanwhile, the scrap metal dealers have been given another six-month extension to operate.

The dealers’ licences are valid from August 15 to February 14, 2025, following which they will have to apply for a new licence.

This is the fourth extension since the industry reopened in February 2023.

During a media conference on August 7, the TTSIDA also insisted it was not to blame for the increasing thefts at Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Heritage), after being given notice by the company “to stop the theft of its scrap metal or face consequences.”

Instead, they said Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla Harewood-Christopher was to blame, as the T&T Police Service was not enforcing the law. Giving an update on the situation, Ferguson said he was awaiting a meeting with Heritage.

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