Long Wall man promises to remove scrap metal

Seraft ‘Chronic’ Trumpet has given the assurance that the scrap metal lying on his property and along a section of the public road at Long Wall will be moved soon.{{more}}

Trumpet, speaking to SEARCHLIGHT last Friday, said that the only reason why the scrap metal was still there, was because there was no more room on the sailing vessel that usually transports the metal to Trinidad.

“The iron being on the road right now is because of the fact that the boat couldn’t carry any scrap iron and the truck had to bring them back,” Trumpet explained.

He further explained that he had attempted to move pieces currently littering the side of the road on to his property, but there was no available space.

The man said that he is in the business of purchasing scrap metal from individuals and mechanic shops around the country, and in turn sells it in Trinidad.

The issue has been a cause for concern amongst some nearby residents.

But Trumpet said that he is aware of the fact that persons have been complaining and said that he was working on getting the metal removed by yesterday, Monday.

However, Winsbert Quow, Manager of the Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU), said that he encountered the pieces of metal while driving through the area a week earlier and after making some inquiries, was also given the assurance that the items would have been moved by the Wednesday morning after the Carnival weekend.

While acknowledging that some of the metal was gone, Quow said that he was told that more pieces of scrap metal are being brought to the spot.

“So, apparently, they are operating a business, without the proper permission from Planning,” Quow told SEARCHLIGHT.

“There are certain things that you need to be put in place before an individual proceeds with setting up a business, especially in Kingstown,” he said.

The SWMU manager said that he had contacted the relevant authorities including the fire chief, town planner and the Public Health Department.

Quow said that he also spoke to the police, because the pieces of metal are creating a traffic problem.

“We have no problem with someone operating a business, especially with scrap metal, because it is helping in cleaning the environment,” he said.

But the problem was where Trumpet chose to operate his business.

“That is the problem,” Quow contended.

“He needs to get Planning involved and give them a proper plan. I don’t think he has done so and we can’t allow persons to just put up anything anywhere,” he added.

Joan Ryan, Public Relations and Marketing Manager at the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), confirmed that a number of residents had called in with complaints.

“We have to be responsible when it comes to these types of things,” Ryan said.

She added that very little regard was given to not just the environment, but also the community.

“People have to be accountable for these types of actions – if you are going to do something, you have to go through the proper channels and do it properly.”

“You can’t just throw stuff on the side of the road, even if it is your property; you have to be mindful of the health hazard to the general public,” Ryan explained.

Quow added that in his opinion, a situation like this should not have occurred, and not only because of legislation, but simply out of concern.

The two officials noted that the area is frequented by buses transporting tourists.

“We really have to change the mindset. We have a beautiful country and we need to take care of the environment,” Quow said.