APUA Offers Solutions for Car Washers

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What Ails You

Friday, 07 January 2011 06:55

By D Francis

APUA has offered to install pipes at Country Pond to allow the car washers there to use government-metred water, but this suggestion has not been met with approval.

This was one of two options placed on the table during a meeting on Thursday with Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael, and officials from APUA and the Development Control Authority (DCA).

Water Manager Ivan Rodrigues said a postpaid tank was another possible fix as the men cope with the news that the pond they have been using to make a living is contaminated by faeces.

He explained, however, that a standpipe system would come with standard requirements.

"We understand that there are 21 workers here, and we cannot put down 21 pipes," Rodrigues said. "What we suggest is that you get together and form an association, and we install the pipes - maybe one pipe on each side on the pond where the guys operate, and go from there."

An individual car washer, he noted, could also apply for the service in his name, and allow other car washers to use the service, and collect money from them.

However, this notion of partnership was not embraced, as one man explained, "Around here, it’s each for his own. Every man mek them own bread. Them man nar do no joining up. Each man work pan them own.”

The car washers are still pushing for authorities to fix the pollution problem, as they said they don’t have the financial resources to constantly pay for water. They have also expressed concern about the security of such a pipe system. Rodrigues in turn assured them that special locks or infrastructure can be put in place to ensure the water is secure.

He explained that the pipe system should not be an expensive undertaking, if they work as a collective force. He noted that the cost would be $0.05 per gallon, and $50 per thousand gallons. If pressure washers are used, it would also be much cheaper.

"I am trying to make it easier," he said. "The water will be coming from Crabbs, just like the water that is in the pipe. It’s the same water you will get here.” The issue of water rationing was put to him, and he said if that has to be instituted, they will go on the same schedule that is applied to the St John’s area, and water will be on during school and business hours.

Michael, asked whether the tank could not be erected, said this is still being considered, but he had received reports that the tank would be damaged if it is placed in the area. He was assured otherwise.

Michael then said a tank which has been identified will hold 10,000 gallons of water, and will be installed on a temporary basis while the men broker a solution with APUA.

He urged them to do so as soon as possible, since he does want the issue to be dragged out much longer. He said the Pond would likely be closed off once the tank is installed.

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The men meanwhile asked Michael to find out about whether the men working in the area could get appropriate testing in light of the lab findings. Concerns that children at the nearby school could have been affected by the pond were laid to rest, as one man who has been working there for 43 years said he has never seen those children even come near the pond, but boys from other areas do come to fish.

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