Gov’t plans more rigorous enforcement to eliminate river pollution

– Granger

President David Granger receives a framed copy of a poem written by students of the Marian Academy yesterday morning at the observance of World Environment Day 2019.  The poem was presented to the Head of State after it was performed by students of the school’s environmental club. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
President David Granger receives a framed copy of a poem written by students of the Marian Academy yesterday morning at the observance of World Environment Day 2019. The poem was presented to the Head of State after it was performed by students of the school’s environmental club. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

President David Granger yesterday announced that government intends to enforce the existing mining and environmental laws more rigorously so as to eradicate river pollution.

Delivering the feature address at an event hosted at State House to observe World Environment Day 2019, Granger highlighted the dire impact of “reckless” mining on the country’s waterways, while noting how crucial hinterland rivers are to residents.

“River pollution – anywhere and at anytime – impacts adversely on water quality, health and the economic and social well-being of residents,” he said before stressing that rivers must be protected from pollution caused by environmental damage and degradation and the discharge of effluent from manufacturing, mining and farming.

Students of Queen’s College performing a dance yesterday morning during the observance of World Environment Day 2019 at the Baridi Benab, State House compound. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Granger reminded that gold mining using the “dreadful ‘draga’ dredges” are degrading the river banks and increasing the turbidity of the rivers, resulting in contamination. He further noted that the mercury used in the gold mining has also found its way into the waterways and presents a threat to aquatic systems and the country’s biodiversity.

In addition to greater environmental monitoring, Granger said government is committed to eventually eliminating the use of mercury from the gold mining sector while introducing economically feasible alternatives, as well as employing greener and safer mining practices that minimise waste and reduce negative environmental impacts. 

The president also noted the proliferation of plastic waste, especially single-use plastics, which he said has compromised our drainage systems and precipitated floods. “Careless solid waste management and irresponsible human habits have led to widespread littering and threats to public health,” he observed, while noting that interventions in this area can be made immediately.

“Restrictions on single-use plastics which still proliferate in our markets and commercial stores and not to mention places of entertainment, are one area in which action can be taken immediately,” he said.

He added that plastic pollution can be prevented and eradicated completely. “Government is developing policies aimed at reducing, and eventually eliminating, plastic pollution.  Government ministries have already been instructed to begin to phase out the consumption of single-use plastics, including plastic bags, containers, cups, cutlery, straws and water bottles in the short-term,” he reminded. He noted that ggovernment is resolved to accelerate its efforts to ensure a clean, healthy and hygienic environment for everyone by protecting the integrity of our rivers, proscribing single-use plastics and by strengthening the capacity of municipal, neighbourhood and regional administrations to improve their solid waste management.

The president also reminded that Guyana is part of the ‘Guiana Shield’ – the ‘lungs of the earth’ – one of the world’s last remaining blocks of pristine rainforest covering an area larger than Greenland.

“The Guiana Shield – the source of 15% of the world’s freshwater reserves – is a global resource. It provides environmental services such as the regulation of the water cycle, water quality and pollination,” he said.

Granger noted that its forests contribute to air quality by capturing and storing carbon, thereby mitigating the greenhouse effect.  Its biodiversity provides ecosystem services such as food, freshwater and medicinal products.

“The Shield is essential to life on planet earth. The environmental services provided by our forests, including the forests of the Guiana Shield, help to provide clean air for the citizens of the world. The protection of our forests and the Shield’s biodiversity help to protect planet earth. We are part of that global resource,” he stressed.

‘Dirty air’

World Environment Day was observed under the theme “Beat Air Pollution” and saw governments, industry, communities and individuals worldwide being urged to work together to find ways of improving air quality.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Guyana Mikiko Tanaka, who also spoke at the event, said that all across the world people are breathing in “dirty air” and that an estimated nine out of ten persons are exposed to pollutants that cause death, long term health problems or reduction of children’s cognitive development. “This is lowering life expectancy and damaging economies across the planet,” she said, while also noting that air pollution also results in global warming.

Tanaka said that with investments in renewable energy sources outstripping those in fossil fuels every year, the rise of clean energy is helping globally. Mega cities in China, she noted, have taken serious policy action and embraced investments to clean the air, including the use of electric public buses in Beijing and the reduction of coal burning which amounts to less than 5% of energy consumption. She said that the change in air quality in Beijing is noticeable, as the fine particle levels have dropped a record breaking 35% in the last five years.

Turning her attention to Guyana, she said that the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) is an ambitious and transformative national development vision and strategy that is well aligned with the 2013 sustainable development agenda.

Tanaka said that the UN system will support the implementation of the GSDS and work with government and other interest groups to generate decent green jobs for youth and women from difficult environments.

She used the opportunity to remind all that global emissions are reaching record levels. “The concentration of carbon dioxide on our atmosphere is the highest it has been in three million years. The last four years were the four hottest on record and winter temperatures in the Arctic have risen…in the last 50 years. Sea levels are rising, coral reefs are dying and we are starting to see the life threatening impact of climate change on health through air pollution…,” she said.

“Let us take a deep breath to appreciate the air we breathe in and out, still close enough to the rich oxygen generating forest of Guyana,” she said.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who also spoke at the event, described air pollution as a “global emergency” which is affecting many people. He said that about 7 million deaths are attributed to air pollution annually. Persaud explained that pollutants range from microscopic organisms to toxins, fumes including cigarette smoke, gases and daily activities such as cooking.

Director of the Department of Environment Ndibi Schwiers also spoke of the dangers of air pollution.

During the hour-long programme, presentations on the impact of air pollution were also done by students of Queen’s College, Marian Academy and the University of Guyana.