Opposition wants action to protect Rio Cobre amid another fish kill

The Opposition is calling for the Government to do more in the fight against the pollution of the Rio Cobre in St Catherine.

It says the recurrence of fish kills in the river is a serious matter of concern.

The Opposition wants Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who holds ultimate responsibility for environmental matters, to bring an emergency bill to parliament to increase the penalties under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (NRCA Act).

“This bill must ensure that penalties become real deterrents for polluters and allow affected communities to bring class actions against the culpable entities through the courts,” charged Junior Shadow Spokesperson on Environment and Ecological Heritage, Lenroy James.

“This consistent abuse of the river is fatal to various species of fish and animals dependent on it. It also affects the health and livelihood of the residents who interact with the river daily,” he added.

The community of Zephyrton in Linstead, St Catherine was on Monday hit by another fish kill, with resident complaining that the water appeared murky and milk-like.

They expressed frustration about the recurrence of another fish kill.

The Opposition says James today led an environmental intervention team to assess

According to the party, the team observed alarming signs, including dead fish, unusual colouration of the water, and a strong chemical odour emanating from sections of the river.

It says the team conducted sampling and field analysis at 16 data points, which confirmed the existence of an environmental incident.

Samples have been referred for further analysis.

James emphasised that given the flow of the river and the high levels of turbidity (cloudiness or opacity caused by suspended matter), there is growing concern that this pollution will spread to other areas, including Kingston Harbour.

He said this migration will make proving culpability more difficult.

“It is time for the Andrew Holness-led government to take decisive action and prioritise the well-being of all Jamaicans over special interests.”

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