Minister Roberts’ directive came in late June after residents raised concerns over Dothum Creek being filled in because of the construction of a road in the area. At the time he had ordered work on the road to stop and the filling be removed.
Now weeks later, Chairman of local government for South Andros, Rance Smith, has revealed that Minister Roberts’ instructions have been partially carried out. “The work has been stopped but the fill has not been removed form the Creek,” said Mr Smith. “It’s still sitting in Dothum Creek even though Minister Roberts gave directives for it to be removed.”
The Guardian contacted Minister Roberts who reiterated that he had ordered the fill to be taken out, but added that he had received reports to the contrary yesterday.
“I got a call this [Friday] morning and I understand it was not done,” said Minister Roberts. “I have sent an e-mail to my Director.
“The instructions went out for the contractor to get it done,” he added.
Still Mr Smith maintained yesterday that the filled-in creek is a major hassle for South Androsians.
“The fill being there is definitely an inconvenience for the locals because Dothum Creek is a gateway to popular South Andros bone fishing areas,” Mr Smith explained. “That fill needs to be taken out immediately because the bone fishing season starts in September.”
In Late June Androsians and local environmentalists thanked Minister Roberts for ordering work on Dothum Creek to be halted.
In an e-mail sent to the Guardian Margo Blackwell, director of the Bahamas Environmental Research Centre, expressed her happiness at the decision.
“Damage has been done to the environment and will need to be monitored, but this is great news to get,” said Ms Blackwell in late June.
But just a week earlier the Dothum Creek saga came to a head after South Androsians reportedly came close to blows with people from the Nassau-based construction company that was filling in the creek.
By: JASMIN BONIMY, The Nassau Guardian
