Rio Cobre: A river in distress
THE EDITOR, Madam:
IPEN these lines with a heavy heart and an abundance of concern for our beloved Rio Cobre, which seems to have become the victim of an identity crisis, moving from a picturesque waterway to a seemingly industrial dumping ground. If the Rio Cobre could speak, it would likely cough and sputter before delivering a stern lecture on human irresponsibility. Picture this, a river once fit for a postcard, now resembling a degraded stream with a touch of toxic flair.
To illustrate this environmental tragedy, consider the recent fish kill reported on The Gleaner’s Twitter (X) platform on Saturday, March 2, in Zapherton, Linstead, St Catherine, that turned the Rio Cobre into a rather macabre version of a seafood buffet. It seems our aquatic friends could not handle the industrial-grade seasoning of chemicals flowing downstream.
The perpetual pollution of the Rio Cobre is no laughing matter. It’s a sobering reminder of our collective failure to prioritise environmental preservation over short-term gains. It’s about time we stop treating the Rio Cobre like our personal dumping ground and start giving it the respect it deserves. That includes holding industries accountable for their waste and compelling them to invest in proper wastewater treatment.
Let’s turn the tide on this ecological disaster before the Rio Cobre decides to pack its bags and seek greener (or should I say cleaner?) pastures. After all, a river should not have to resort to a midlife crisis to get our attention. It is high time for authorities to take the pollution of the Rio Cobre seriously. We cannot continue to ignore the degradation of this essential waterway and its impact on both the environment and the well-being of communities and the livelihoods of people that depend on it. Stricter regulations, proper enforcement, and investment in cleanup efforts are urgently needed to remediate the damage done and safeguard the Rio Cobre for generations to come. The clock is ticking, and decisive action is imperative.
JUVELLE TAYLOR