THE Alliance For Change (AFC), represented by its Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo, executive member Gerhard Ramsaroop, Lenny Singh (AFC’s ECD representative) and Kojo McPherson, on Wednesday last paid a visit to Cane Grove on the invitation of residents there, who are lamenting the continued problems they are facing with dust emanating from the rice mill operated by Mr Feyaadul Hakh for a few years now. Residents reportedly showed the AFC representatives their homes, with the dust said to be “evident everywhere”.  
“They are forced to keep their windows locked, but even that does not keep the dust out.  Many complained of respiratory ailments and itchy skin. One person even brought out her children, whom she said were asthmatic as a result of the dust,” the AFC claimed in a statement yesterday.

It said another resident, Jasoda Abdool, had to buy a blower to help control the dust in her yard.  However, that was not the end of her story.  “She was born and bred in Cane Grove, and after spending twenty-four years in the United States, she and her husband came back to retire there.  They built a beautiful home that they now cannot enjoy, and it has lost its value because of the operations of the rice mill,” the AFC stated.

The AFC is contending that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is “taking a soft stance on the issue including referring to residents as squatters”.

According to the AFC, Mr Hakh who is a large rice miller, is taking advantage of the people in Cane Grove, many of whom he provides employment for.  

In this regard, the AFC has renewed its call for the relevant authorities to get Mr Hakh to remedy the situation soonest.