BARBADOS’ MEDICAL CHIEF is hitting back at a United States health advisory warning citizens about the water quality on South Coast beaches as a result of the sewage crisis.
While the overflows from the South Coast sewage system have stopped, the United States yesterday joined Canada in issuing such a caution.
“There is an overflow of raw sewage due to mechanical failure on the island’s South Coast that is affecting the water quality at certain beaches between the Hastings and St Lawrence gap areas,” the US release said.
“Sewage has periodically bubbled up onto the streets, and there are reports that the overflow is reaching the beach areas,” it added.
However, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George said the Ministry of Health had no information to support the claims made by the Americans.
On Tuesday, the Canadian government’s advisory stated: “The South Coast of Barbados, between Hastings and St Lawrence areas, is experiencing an overflow of raw sewage due to a mechanical breakdown. Avoid the affected area and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
George described the advisory from the Canadians as “responsible”, adding their statement was nothing new as the ministry had been advising the public to take a similar course of action. (AD)
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