The decomposing remains of a man were yesterday found floating in the Port Kaituma creek, from where hundreds of residents of the area source their water.
In wake of the discovery, residents fear contamination of their water and they are again appealing for the building of a treatment plant as part of improvements in the water supply system for the community.
Stabroek News was informed that the body of Gilbert James, 52, of Port Kaituma Pump Creek was discovered around 8:30am. From all indications, the man was a victim of drowning.
Reports are that James left his home on Sunday to take a drink with friends and never returned. Police, with the assistance of residents, subsequently went to the area to remove the body which was immediately buried.
Upset resident and APNU MP Richard Allen told this newspaper that the whole situation is disturbing as the decomposing body has contaminated their water supply. He pointed out that residents would have been using the contaminated water for the last four days.
He said that he has since contacted officials at the Port Kaituma Hospital to ensure that there is enough medication to treat any mass illness that might occur.
Allen noted that during the parliamentary debates, Housing Minister Irfaan Ali had indicated that pipelines will be laid and the water flowing into the community would be treated. He said that up to now, this had not been done and more so no attempts have been made to even start laying the pipelines.
