Paul Rudder calls three 400-gallon water tanks situated on a vacant piece of land at Embacadere, San Fernando, his home.Every morning, Rudder, 36, emerges from one of the black polyethylene tanks, which serves as his bedroom, drenched in sweat.The other two tanks are used as Rudder's kitchen and living room.
The tanks are placed within close proximity of each other near a private dump on Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando. Old appliances, tree trimmings, and scrap metals are discarded at the dump managed by the San Fernando City Corporation.Residents in the community described Rudder's story as one of sadness and despair, as they pleaded with the People's Partnership Government to help him.
Villager Kenrick Elahie, who salvages items from the small dump, said Rudder lived with his family in the community for many years.However, three years ago, disaster struck when the family's three-bedroom home was gutted by fire.The displaced family eventually moved out of the area, while Rudder opted to live in a run-down animal pen, close to the ruined structure.
Elahie said that not long after, the pen collapsed.With no place to call home, Elahie said Rudder went to the dump in search of items to create something to live in.After rummaging through the discarded items, Rudder found a punctured tank which he dragged onto an empty piece of land and began utilising it. Later on, Rudder found two other rickety tanks at the dump which he claimed.
The tanks, which are draped with colourful plastic and surrounded by knee-high grass, are not easily noticeable.
'A bright young man'
In his kitchen, Rudder has plates, pots, cups and spoons to eat his meals, which are sometimes given to him by neighbours who look out and care for him.Rudder uses a dirty bedsheet to cover a dingy piece of sponge which he sleeps on. He has a Holy Bible,Every day, Rudder would crawl in and out of the narrow openings of the cylindrical tanks, which lay on its sides.
"When he comes out of the tanks he would be covered in perspiration. The tanks have no vents so it's like a sweat box. I am sure the heat is unbearable in there," one villager pointed out.Since after the fire, the able-bodied man has refused to work. Villagers said Rudder has not been acting normal since after the incident.
"He's a bright young man who fell through the cracks. It seems as though the fire has left him traumatised, withdrawn and distant," one resident said.Another villager also described Rudder as a bright young man."Paul can read better than many of us inside here. He is a bright and smart individual. He reads the Bible religiously. If he sees a banner or pamphlet around, he would read perfectly," the villager said.
Rudder is a graduate of the Gasparillo Secondary School.Outside the place Rudder calls home, there are no bathroom and toilet facilities.He would relieve himself in the bushes and bathe at the district's standpipe."If anything upsets him he would pelt stones on a nearby wall. That's the only way he vents his feelings,"one resident said.
"We don't interfere with him and he does not interfere with anyone."During a recent visit, Rudder admitted to the Sunday Guardian that he yearns for a simple house to call his own."I wish I could get a house to live in. I don't like living in the water tanks. It is dark and uncomfortable, but better cannot be done," Rudder admitted.
"I like living here because everybody does treat me as family. If the neighbours cook and they have extra food they would give me. I really thankful to them."Sometimes Rudder would prepare simple meals on a fireside, a short distance from the tanks.Elahie said occasionally a family member would deliver groceries for Rudder and check up on him.
Clutching a pack of cigarette, Rudder said he smokes to ease his frustration.Rudder would spend his day roaming the streets in search of food and handouts. Other times, he would venture into the dump to see what he could retrieve. Rudder did not say why he chooses not to work.
Elahie said it pains the villagers' heart to see Rudder living in such conditions.
"For a country that boast of its infrastructural development and oil and gas reserves, people should not be living in such hardships. It's heart wrenching. He needs help," Elahie said.He said if building materials are donated to Rudder, the community would come together and construct a house for him.
"We owe him that much."