Fire Exercise conducted at Providenciales Landfill

#TurksandCaicos, May 30, 2023 – The Environmental Health Department (EHD) on Wednesday reported that it was currently undergoing a two-day exercise which commenced today, 24th May 2023 at the Providenciales Landfill Site.

The Department is spearheading this exercise in collaboration with Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) consultants with assistance from A & J contractor and TCI Fire Department. This exercise is part of the Integrated Solid Waste Management project to strengthen and improve the management of the solid waste sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  As a part of this initiative, the elimination of existing active hotpots at the Providenciales Landfill Site is critical to the health and wellbeing of the neighbouring community.

The EHD wishes to advise the residents of Providenciales, especially those living in Wheeland Phase 2 area, that this supervised landfill fire extinguishing exercise will be conducted in the appropriate manner to avoid any potential health and safety risks.

Persons are being asked to avoid exposure to smoke as much as possible. EHD encourages persons to do this by keeping windows, doors and air conditioning vents closed as a precaution and limit the amount of time spent outside over the next few days.

The Department would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the neighbouring residents, particularly the Wheeland community for their patience and understanding as we continue our efforts to improve waste management within the TCI.

Honourable Shuan Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services,  wishes to assure the public that the Ministry of Health is committed to safeguarding public health while also creating an environment that is healthy and aesthetically pleasing for both residents and visitors to enjoy.