Despite the explanation given by  the director of the Energy Company Suriname (EBS), Leo Brunswijk, there are still many unanswered questions about what exactly went wrong when utility masts were constructed for the new transmission line that will go to the Saramacca District via  Sophia’s Lust. Some of the masts were placed in drainage systems such as water channels which makes it impossible for the water to flow freely and therefore increases the risk of flooding in several residential areas. “The EBS is busy solving this problem with the land owners,” said  Brunswijk who added that a foreign consultancy firm has been hired to present possible solutions. It is, however, still unclear what will happen if the land owners refuse to let go of a portion of their land so that the drainage channels can be rerouted. Residents from 

Toevluchtweg, Welgelegen,

and  Sophia’s Lust have expressed their concern regarding the way the EBS is doing things. The people who live in an area that faces drainage issues fear that their neighborhoods will get flooded after each heavy rainfall. They also complained about the potential health risks that could be triggered by the high voltage masts that were placed closed to houses.

 Brunswijk has not addressed these concerns but explained that the Health Ministry would have to launch an investigation to determine the health risks.

Despite the objections and concerns of the residents and several agencies the construction of the utility masts has not been halted. Public Works

Minister Riad Nurmohamed labelled the situation as a big blunder on EBS’ part. He made it clear that the Public Works Ministry had given permission for the construction of the masts along the channels. “The masts were never supposed to be constructed in the channels.”