BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOR many years residents of Conaree Village have been complaining about the infestation of mosquitoes in that community, and because of a recent discovery the situation could escalate into a crisis.
This publication was recently contacted by a member of that community, who claimed that the construction of a water outlet in the vicinity of Construction Technologies Limited (CONTEC) “will definitely increase our discomfort in Conaree with the breeding of mosquitoes and sand flies”.
SKNVibes visited the site on Tuesday (Oct. 6) and found that a culvert was constructed on the eastern side of the Island’s Main Road opposite CONTEC.
It was constructed a few feet below the road's surface and seems to be an outlet for water which runs into a wide trench that stretches for approximately 40 to 50 metres.
The trench is however a relatively tall distance away from the Atlantic Ocean and the water is stagnant and emits an offensive odour, which justifies the complainant’s concerns of it being a breeding ground for mosquitoes and sand flies.
This media house could have neither verified the source of water-flow into the trench nor who was responsible for the construction; therefore, the decision was taken to contact the Ministry of Health and the Environment and also the Public Works Department.
Speaking with Senior Environmental Officer Glenville Leader, SKNVibes informed him of the situation to which he had no knowledge. He however acceded to the fact that it could create a health situation and promised to inform his superior who was not in office at the time.
“Once water is stagnated it means that there is a health problem, because mosquitoes will breed there and that is where we come in. So, the Chief could then ask Public Works to rectify this problem. However, an investigation would have to be carried out until it is justified to rectify and, in the interim, we can use a solution called Abate to control the breeding of mosquitoes,” Leader said.
Leader explained that Abate is used to control the breeding of mosquitoes by creates a film on top of the water, which kills the aquatic stage of the mosquitoes. He pointed out that it is environmentally friendly and has replaced the ancient practice of pouring oil on top of the water.
The Environmentalist gave the assurance that his Ministry would do their part in the protection of the residents in Conaree Village.
SKNVibes also contacted the Director of Public Works, Cromwell Williams, who also indicated that he had no knowledge of the situation.
“I personally am not aware of it. I will make enquiries and to see what we can do to address the situation. But prior to your call, I am not aware of it. I know that there is some kind of drainage system in the area but I have never personally been up close to see what is happening or what is not happening there. However, I will follow up on it.”
