Mining in Pomona Village; Nearby River Severely Affected
On Monday night, we brought you the story of an environmental crisis that is taking place in Pomona Valley where mining activities along the North Stann Creek River are adversely affecting the community. Residents claim that operations conducted by West End Construction, a company that has been working in the area since 201, have led to the erosion of farmland and other properties situated on the banks of the tributary. Incidentally, West End Construction is owned by two brothers who made headlines two weeks ago in respect of the Commerce Bight port in Dangriga. Earlier today, News Five headed to the citrus belt. Reporter Isani Cayetano and cameraman Kenroy Michael have more on what is taking place in Pomona.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The extraction of minerals from North Stann Creek River, along the waterway directly behind Pomona Village, is raising serious environmental concerns. Loss of property due to the erosion of the nearby riverbank is attributed to mining activities conducted by West End Construction.
Dwight Montero
Dwight Montero, Senior Farm Manager, C.P.B.L.
“What you are seeing is our citrus groves from Citrus Products of Belize Limited that is being physically eroded. In the past, we had these groves coming all the way down to the river, we could actually have our equipment driving down to the river but because of the constant erosion, because of this mining, what you are seeing are just trees standing on the riverbank there. And if you notice, there are some of them that are almost uprooted, just another flood that will be coming shortly and all those trees will be in the river.”
The issue goes back to almost two decades ago when mining permits were initially granted for the removal of raw material from the area. Since then, it is believed that such unchecked activities contribute to the geological crisis that is being faced in that community.
Dennis Peters
Dennis Peters, Pomona Village Council
“You cannot come to Pomona and do this type of madness. Imagine you being a villager here in Pomona and this river now was in, let’s say Blue Creek or wherever this man is from, Shipyard or wherever he’s from, and you leave from here and go and do that type of madness in their community. Question: could you ever dare think that that is possible? No, is the answer.”
Businessmen Abraham and Heinrich Frose are the proprietors of West End Construction. Born and raised in Belize, Abraham has been operating in Stann Creek District since relocating from Blue Creek in the mid-eighties.
Abraham Frose
Abraham Frose, Proprietor, West End Construction
“I would beg to differ on some of those opinions that are being said about us. Firstly, we take the environment seriously. We try to rebuild the rivers, the banks, contrary to what was said that we mine the river in a way that erodes the banks.”
According to Frose, in all the years that his business has been operating under license in this location, there has never been an expression of discontent from the Mining Unit of the Geology and Petroleum Department.
Abraham Frose
“As far as we know, we have not had any complaints from the Mining [Unit] itself. Actually, they have recommended how we do our extraction and we extract under strict guidance from the Mining Unit. They guide us in where we can dig and we really, really appreciate that, they’ve been a big help to us. But yes, we do have some people, some companies that accuse us of dredging in ways that undermine the banks.”
Some residents indeed unhappy with what is being done to the environment. The North Stann Creek River is where Cecilio Baide grew up. Seeing it degraded in such a manner is upsetting.
Cecilio Baide
Cecilio Baide, Resident, Pomona Village
“The direct effect that it would give along the riverbank is tearing out more where people are living, residential areas. That is what we’re afraid of because the river used to run on the other side but it’s tearing out on this side because they are blocking off over here so the river will only follow where the lower end of the bank is.”
And that is evident along parts of the embankment. In another section of the village, erosion has inched its way dangerously close to one residence that sits about forty feet above the river.
John Peters
John Peters, Former Village Council Member
“We had brought in equipment to re-divert the river back to its original route. But now thing have changed, there are new mining operators here in our community and because of the large… and the way the mining is going on, not complying to the proper mining regulations, it’s becoming a greater problem downstream. This home right here, belonging to Mrs. Ducelle Taylor, next two or three floods will be problem right here.”
Despite the criticism levied against West End Construction, Frose says the primary aim is for the company to continue with its work responsibly since there is a overwhelming demand for raw materials.
Abraham Frose
“Our goal is to extract responsibly, there is a need for aggregates. The country needs aggregates and a lot of people depend on aggregates. It should be done responsibly. As I showed you, there’s a correct way to cut bars and a wrong way to cut bars and I would still want to see where anybody could show me where we have cut a bar wrong. Our cuttings are always done to mining specs.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
