The Guanapo Landfill was closed yesterday after a fire, which began Saturday, continued to blaze yesterday.
In a statement, the T&T Solid Waste Management Company Ltd (SWMCOL) advised that the fire began on Saturday in the vicinity of the active tipping area.
SWMCOL said due to the nature and location of the fire, the landfill was closed yesterday. All waste haulers who utilise the site, were directed to other landfills.
SWMCOL also advised people living in nearby communities, especially those with respiratory conditions, to exercise caution because of the level of smoke emanating from the landfill.
But St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen called on the Government to “take immediate and decisive action to address the alarming environmental hazards plaguing the La Retreat/Heights of Guanapo area managed by SWMCOL.”
The MP, in a statement, said the noxious fumes from the fire have been affecting the eyes, nose, throats and lungs of residents forcing them to flee their homes and others to seek medical attention.
Ameen called for Government to take “swift and decisive action to rectify the situation.”
She added, “Immediate measures must be implemented to mitigate pollution and ensure the health and safety of residents are prioritised.”