Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has submitted a report to the Office of the Public Defender outlining the cause of the two-week fire at the Riverton landfill toward the end of last year, which left scores of communities affected by persistent smoke emissions.

Two weeks ago, the document was handed over to a representative from the Office of the Public Defender who met with the executive of the NSWMA, as part of investigations being carried out by the Public Defender.

Earl Witter, Public Defender, told The Gleaner that as soon as his office completes its probe a report would be submitted to Parliament.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the NSWMA, Christopher Powell, said only three claims have been received from persons who were affected by the smoke. He did not provide details about the claims but pointed out that the agency's lawyer was dealing with the matter.

Compensation issue

Asked whether the agency would compensate persons who made claims on the agency after they became ill, Mr. Powell said the burden of proof lies with the Public Defender to produce evidence that it was the smoke which caused the illness.

However, Mr. Witter had indicated that his office had advised potential claimants on how they should prepare their claims.

He said in an earlier interview that there were three possible types of claims - loss of earnings, medical expenses or special damages, and compensation for general damages resulting from pain and suffering.