THE lucrative scrap iron trade in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) is destroying important landmarks left by the original Dutch and British sugar planters since 1620.
Former Parliamentarian, Mr. Ishack Basir told the Guyana Chronicle that, during the 200 years occupation by the Dutch and British colonisers, 34 sugar factories were established and 58 plantations between Spring Gardens and Better Success on the Essequibo Coast.
He said, when the mills ceased operations, the engines, along with huge metal wheels, iron gates and many other things were abandoned and, after many years, scrap dealers are now selling the pieces of historic discards.
Basir said agents are buying any pieces of iron, being koker mouth grills, metal wheels and historic relics like the old Hampton Court water pump and the first steam driven coffee factory at Charity.
He said huge rice factory engines, installed in the same period have also been dismantled and sold.
According to Basir, the history of the country is very important and pieces of it, especially old sugar mills should be kept.
He said young children growing up will need to visit the derelicts in order to understand the history of the country and the sites can also be developed to add to the tourism industry.