Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Life has returned to normal for residents of the oil spill-affected community of Katwaroo Trace, Penal, and in a way, a resident yesterday claimed it’s even better.
Two weeks ago, on June 12, an oil spill not only blanketed a neighbouring lagoon in their community but also resulted in oil-slick snakes invading their properties.
When Guardian Media visited the community yesterday, there was no hydrocarbon scent, and as far as visible, the lagoon appeared to be oil free.
Residents said they were unsure whether Heritage Petroleum had completed clean-up operations. However, they were pleased with the work done thus far.
Sitting on a chair in his porch overlooking the lagoon, Aleem Khan had no complaints about the company’s response.
“With respect to the clean-up process, the fellas did an excellent job from Heritage. It was real good. They keep coming, checking we, making sure everything good, with the neighbours everything. The paramedics come and check the pressure, whatever. The guy testing the air quality too.”
Khan noted that the cleaning of the drains has also assisted in the faster run-off of floodwaters from the community.
“Here always have flood but because of the work they do, the water only stay for a day, and after that it just dry this morning. Usually, this will take about a week and then the smell will smell terrible, but as I say, the guys do an excellent job so far and I really appreciate it,” he said.
While they have discussed compensation with the company, the residents said they have not yet received any money.
“All the irrigation system damage so far, but they are seeing about it as well,” he said.
Another resident, Ameena Manoo, said she lost several crops, including bodi, tomatoes, seim and baigan.
“They did come and check the crops. They did send in something, but they did not tell us whether we getting anything,” she said.
In a previous interview with Guardian Media, Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein said approximately 20 acres of marshlands were affected by the oil spill and several wildlife species had been successfully rescued and rehabilitated.
For the year thus far, there have been two other major oil spills—at Guayaguayare in February and Massahood Junction, Fyzabad, in May.