A fire that affects the provincial landfill of Monsignor Nouel keeps the authorities and community since last Thursday afternoon, when the incident occurred around 6:00 pm Although this Saturday the smoke looks more controlled, the fire has not yet been completely extinguished.
He provincial landfill receives the solid waste of the three municipalities by Monsignor Nouel: Bonao, Maimón and Piedra Blanca.
The provincial manager of Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in Monsignor Nouel, Gregorio Nunezexplained that the fire has generated a critical situationboth due to the magnitude of the fire and the social impact it represents.
“More than 60 families survive here on a daily basis, removing and searching for debris or things of value,” he said. Nunez when describing the reality of those they work as informal collectors on the spot.
As indicated, the fires they usually are provoked by unscrupulous people.
He pointed out that, although sometimes some divers could ignite materials to extract wire or other metals, in other cases the fire is started by third parties who enter the dumpcause the fire and then they leave.
Support of firefighters and authorities municipal
Núñez reported that they requested the support of the security forces firefighters of the three municipalities. He explained that he maintained communication with the mayor of Maimónas well as with the colonels of the firefighters of Piedra Blanca and Bonao.
They also contacted mayor of Sonadorwho serves as manager of the community of mayors.
- However, he stated that the initial presence was limited and that the support It began to strengthen later.
“We have had little presence. The fire started yesterday in the afternoon at approximately six,” he indicated.
Collectors report losses and health problems
Andrés Lantigua Tolentinowho has some 20 years working as collector in it dumpassured that the smoke has affected the health of workers.
“First the smoke that destroys my lungs to everyone here. We are more than 60 men looking for a living as parents,” he said.
He added that several belongings and collected materials were consumed by the fire, including more than 20 bags stored in one of the affected areas.
Likewise, he denounced the presence of strange people in it dump and asked greater control to avoid new incidents.
Communities report strong impact from smoke
Jose Morfacommunity of Old Hato in Maimonmaintained that the smoke considerably affected several nearby sectorsamong them New RanchEl Verde and Caribe.
“You couldn’t see the houses of the smoke. Yesterday everyone was with face mask to be able to be in the same house,” he said.
Morfa explained that community members carried out a protest in the place, while the authorities They worked with trucks firefighters and ambulances. He indicated that covering material was used to try to put out the flames.
He fire has generated worry among residents for possible health effects, especially in children and older adults.
The authorities work continues to achieve total extinction of the fire and prevent the situation from repeating itself in the provincial landfill of Monsignor Nouel.
