The Editor, Sir:

Yet another major fire and residents are left to protect themselves from the blanket of smoke that hangs over various communities. According to the advice given by the Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health Dr. Sheila Campbell Forrester, "Residents must take the necessary actions to protect themselves, especially those who suffer from respiratory conditions are encouraged to avoid or reduce exposure to smoke by closing windows and remain indoors."

While this is perhaps the only suggestion that can be offered at this time, I found it to be preposterous! How can residents really protect themselves when the smoke has permeated everywhere? In fact, it becomes even more stifling when locked in a confined space, and curtains, beds, closets, clothing or fabric are already saturated with the smell of smoke! Unless the ministry is assuming residents have air-conditioning in their homes, it is very impractical to lock out the smoke. Only a few residents, if any, can afford to install airtight windows, doors and air conditioning units. As to whether they can pay a very high electricity bill afterwards is another matter.

Besides, does the ministry expect people to be locked up inside their homes until the smoke is brought under control whenever the NSWMA eventually learns how to do so? After so many repeated outbreaks, one wonders if any remedial or incident-handling measures were ever implemented by the authority? The last fire outbreak in April 2005 took weeks if not months to be extinguished! And even then, the dump is continuously smoul-dering and residents are being suffocated. Had the smoke not infiltrated the wider St. Catherine and St. Andrew communities, perhaps this fire would not have been given the level of immediate attention it received. Then again, is the current effort of the NSWMA all that can be done? Can't more be done to quell the blaze and dissipate the smoke more expeditiously?

Over the years, many residents living in close vicinity would have developed respiratory illness and more than likely suffer from other related maladies. Too often, babies, children and the elderly have to be rushed to the hospital. Not only are many individuals' health at risk, but there are huge social costs to be borne by these people.

What does the Government or the relevant authorities intend to do to ultimately put an end to the dump hazard and the affliction of the poor affected residents who continue to be deprived of the very air they need to live? Can the dump be relocated to a less populated area? Would someone care to address these concerns?

I am, etc.,

CONCERNED RESIDENT