Costs on human lives overshadow the benefits of Industrial achievements

The beginning of 21st century has revolutionized the Tuna Fishery in the Maldives. Southern fishermen were few steps ahead in this technical advancement in the industry, while Hulhudhoo fishing people in particular are the ones still leading in the field. Since 2001, six fiber glass second generation mark III vessels were built in Hulhudhoo. On the other hand the equvadhoo boat yard set up in Meedhoo in the year 2005 is a huge sprayer of fiber in to Hulhumeedhoo atmosphere lately. Thousands of people have come in contact with the sites where fiber was used without necessary and unavoidable precautionary measures.

Inappropriate prevention measures at these sites have largely been affecting the lives of Hulhumeedhoo people for the past seven years. “A very high percentage of fiber is contaminated with the water in Sunset Restaurent”, a middle aged man from Meedhoo said. He justified saying that the Department of Public Health conducted a survey recently, found out the fiber contamination and reported the matter to the relevant authorities including Hulhudhoo Meedhoo Health Center. He also quoted a Doctor saying “I sniffed fiber as I landed in Meedhoo”. According to the doctor, in less than six years time, people of this community will start to suffer continued inhale of fiber and its contamination in water which we used to drink.

So far no actions have been taken by respective authorities as to hinder the free spray of fiber powder into the Hulhumeedhoo atmosphere. In the last three years five people have died of lung cancer in Hulhumeedhoo. Scientists say inhale of fiber and smoke of rubber flames largely contribute to cancer and other related diseases. “Labours at these sites do not use masks or any other preventative equipments while at work, I am sure their lungs would have badly affected now” said a Meedhooan.

Indeed, if the residents of Hulhumeedhoo do not consider the free spray of fiber and stay negligent, the entire community will be under jeopardy sooner.

Posted by Hulhudhoo Today on 2:11 PM. Filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Feel free to leave a response