Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Five of the nine families evacuated following the oil spill in Fyzabad will be allowed to return to their homes today.
Heritage Petroleum officials yesterday met with the nine families at the Paria Suites Hotel in La Romain, where the families were relocated earlier this week.
Four of the families closest to the oil spill, caused by two leaks along a 16-inch pipeline in the Massahood Junction community on May 14, were the first to be evacuated by the company. Two days later, on May 16, five more families were evacuated as they began feeling unwell due to hydrocarbons in the atmosphere.
Three company officials arrived at the hotel around 3 pm yesterday, together with medical personnel. They offered free blood work and check-ups to the affected residents. They also discussed compensation for various items, including loss of income.
However, the officials stressed that the families must provide documentation to support claims for compensation.
Nadeem Ali, who is staying at the hotel with his wife and two-year-old daughter, was satisfied with the company’s response thus far.
“They are working with us and seem to be doing what is right,” he said.
Regarding when they will be allowed to return to their homes, he said the five families were advised to return to their homes today around 8 am.
“They told them to open their doors and windows in case there is residual fumes.”
If there is any issue, he said the residents might return to the hotel, but they should be back in their homes this weekend.
Meanwhile, Ali does not know when his family, and the other three families will be allowed to return to their homes.
Heritage confirmed a medical team visited the residents at the hotel and that clean-up operations are continuing.