WINDALCO is set to invest millions in a new waste-control pond in Ewarton, St. Catherine. This follows years of complaints of fish-kill in the Rio Cobre due to these spillages. After several accusations of causing damage to the environment, The West Indies Alumina Company (WINDALCO) is said to be righting its wrongs, as it prepares to construct the second effluent holding pond.
The 25 acre pond is expected to be completed in the next two years. However, in the meantime the company will be expanding the capacity of its first pond to tackle the issue urgently. The company’s country manager, Sergey Kostyuk says these ponds will now prevent overflows into the environment.
Speaking at the official launch of the project on Wednesday, Mining Minister Robert Montague commends the company for working to remedy the issue. Montague describes the company as a good corporate citizen and promises continued partnership and support from the government.
Meanwhile, Montague calls for more government investment in mining communities.
