Saramacca River pollution: government to assist affected communities

The Saramacca River pollution continues to have major consequences for communities that depend on the river for food, transport and daily use. On Friday, August 28, President Jennifer Simons, together with representatives of the National Environmental Authority, NMA, spoke in Pikin Saron with traditional leaders about the investigation results and the next steps.

Representatives of, among others, Pikin Saron, Bigi Poika, Tibiti, Harlem, Santigron and surrounding areas attended the meeting. According to the government, the traditional leaders will receive a copy of the investigation report. The government wants the affected villages to be directly informed about the substances found and the potential consequences for public health and the environment.

According to the government, the investigation and consultations with the communities show that high concentrations of chemical substances, heavy metals and cyanide were found in water and examined fish. Residents are therefore still advised not to eat fish from the river, use river water or swim in the water for the time being.

Investigation into Saramacca River pollution costs more than USD 50,000

According to President Simons, Suriname spent more than USD 50,000 on the investigation. International support was needed for some of the analyses, and samples had to be examined in French Guiana. The Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, also provided support, according to the government.

Simons made clear that the government does not view the issue as an isolated incident. Additional investigations must be conducted in the short term in areas where gold mining takes place. In doing so, the government aims to prevent similar pollution from occurring in other rivers and creeks.

The government promises that affected communities will not be left on their own.

Core group to map consequences for villages

The government wants to establish a core group to map the consequences of the Saramacca River pollution for the various communities. This group is to include representatives of the affected areas, the Para district commissioner’s office, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour.

The core group must not only document problems, but also propose concrete solutions and assist in coordinating aid. This includes access to safe water, alternative food sources, loss of income and other consequences for families that normally depend on fishing and activities around the river.

Alternatives for food and income

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries must support affected communities in setting up alternative sources of food and income. Training, guidance and financial support for, among other things, poultry farming and fish farms were mentioned.

During the visit, the government also discussed the upcoming dry season. A potentially lower water level could further worsen problems for some villages, particularly if river water cannot yet be safely used. Plans for energy supply in the affected areas were also discussed.

Previous concerns about Saramacca River pollution

Key News previously reported on cyanide and heavy metals in live fish from the Saramacca River. The government then announced that it wanted to hold state mining company Grassalco liable and tighten controls in gold mining areas.

The new discussions in Pikin Saron focus mainly on the direct consequences for residents and the organization of support. President Simons asked the communities to cooperate with follow-up investigations and to share information when they observe changes in their living environment.

Stricter approach to the gold sector

In addition to assisting the villages, the government wants to better regulate the gold sector. The issuance of new concessions has been temporarily halted, and existing concessions must be made more transparent under the announced approach. The government wants to make agreements with concession holders on a more transparent and sustainable method of gold mining.

The Saramacca River pollution has also sparked a broader discussion about oversight of mining activities, compliance with environmental conditions and the responsibility of companies when communities or nature suffer damage. Simons has announced that inspections and investigations will not be limited to the currently affected area.

Precautionary measures remain in force for the time being

For residents along the river, the main concern remains when the use of water and fish can once again be declared safe. Until that is the case, precautionary measures will remain in force. At the same time, it will have to become clear how quickly the announced support, alternative food supply and further monitoring will actually reach the affected villages.