Illegal dump fires plaguing Hope Zoo

An illegal dump has been the source of discomfort for residents of Hope Pastures and the management of Hope Zoo for years.

"We need to have something done to have the persons responsible brought to court. Enough is not being done about the situation," one resident of Hope Pastures told THE STAR. The resident explained that the dump is occupied by squatters on a plot of land that was originally designated to be an urban farm. However, plans for agricultural development were abandoned and has now made way for dumping.

"They light it every day and persons in Hope Pastures, the botanical gardens, UTech [University of Technology, Jamaica] and the zoo are affected. I wrote letters and I get ignored. I don't get no response acknowledging receipt of the letters or anything. We need to get those persons off the land," the resident shared further. Management of the Hope Zoo are also infuriated by the constant burning of the dump, which they believe may result in long-term respiratory issues for the animals.

"There are days when you walk around the zoo, it's like a haze. I can guarantee there will be long-term respiratory issues. The staff there as well have eyes burning, and breathing in the smoke every day will cause issues. The petting zoo and kangaroo exhibit is directly affected and this has been going off for years; this is getting worse," said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official shared further that efforts have been made to file complainants about the nuisance, but have "been getting shut down."

Audley Gordon, executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority, told the news team that he will be addressing the issue.

"I have never been to this place but I heard that there is a little illegal dump there and it was reported to me some time ago. I have sent a little enforcement team there, but as usual with these things, when you go there you don't see anyone committing these things. This is becoming an issue so I'm going to send another team of enforcers there to see how we can handle this situation and, if possible, to bring one of the perpetrators to books," Gordon said.