By Mark DaCosta- Linden’s Mayor, Sharma Solomon, has taken urgent action regarding alarming levels of toxic heavy metals found on the Nooitgedacht access road, prompting concerns for the health of residents. The road has been deemed unsafe due to dust contamination with arsenic, zinc, nickel, and chromium, leading to calls for immediate remedial measures.
During a meeting on September 4, 2024, the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) discussed the necessity of notifying Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, about these hazardous conditions. However, Town Clerk Lennox Gasper admitted that he failed to send the formal communication but claimed to have had a conversation with the minister. This assertion was dismissed by Edghill, who stated he was unaware of the situation until a stakeholder meeting on October 12.
The Nooitgedacht access road has become heavily trafficked due to the ongoing closure of Castarina Drive, which is part of the Mackenzie/Wismar bridge project. Solomon expressed grave concerns, stating, “This is a toxic situation. The road should be capped before the bridge is finished.” He emphasised the road’s impact on Linden’s older population, highlighting the potential health risks posed by increased dust and heavy metal exposure.
It was revealed that illegal materials from the nearby aluminium plant’s waste area were used to surface the road. Solomon pointed out that the Ministry of Public Works is responsible for addressing this hazardous issue, urging the ministry to take action against the contractor involved. Councillor Waynewright Bethune corroborated the claims, noting that the toxic materials have been in use for at least two months.
He took it upon himself to sample the road materials, which revealed dangerously high levels of contaminants: arsenic levels reached 61.03 (Parts Per Million) ppm and 62.09 ppm, far exceeding the safe limit of 25 ppm. Zinc concentrations were recorded at 115980.03 ppm and 88379.25 ppm, against a safe threshold of 300-400 ppm. Nickel levels were 691.27 ppm and 191.64 ppm, surpassing the acceptable limit of 100 ppm. Additionally, chromium levels were found at 1005.36 ppm and 1061.54 ppm, well over the safe limit of 100-120 ppm.
The testing results indicate that these heavy metals pose severe health risks, including respiratory problems, skin lesions, chronic kidney issues, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Solomon reiterated the urgency of capping the road to mitigate the health threats posed by the dust.
In the meeting with Edghill on October 12, Solomon urged immediate action, warning that the toxic materials not only affect local residents but also pose a risk to all who travel the road. Edghill responded by promising to conduct independent tests and take necessary actions to ensure public safety, stating, “We don’t want to put anybody’s health in danger.”
However, Solomon expressed scepticism over the proposed temporary solution of spraying water on the road to reduce dust. He stated that such measures would be ineffective given the heavy traffic, criticising the lack of a comprehensive plan. “Throwing water on the road demonstrates a lack of foresight,” he said, underscoring the urgency of a more effective long-term solution.
In a subsequent statement on social media, Solomon acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the bridge project but called for community understanding and cooperation. Despite reassurances from Edghill that the bridge construction, contracted to China Rail, would be completed sooner than the anticipated two years, residents remain deeply concerned about their health and safety in light of these developments.
The health risks associated with exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, zinc, nickel, and chromium are well-documented. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health conditions, including respiratory diseases, skin irritations, kidney damage, and increased cancer risk. Given the alarming levels detected in Linden, immediate action is vital to safeguard public health and restore community confidence in local governance and infrastructure safety.
