Breach in dam at Klaverblad: State holds Alcoa responsible for damage

The wall of the dam at the bauxite mine at Klaverblad along the Suriname River has reportedly collapsed, causing water to flow in and causing damage to private property. Reports indicate that residents from Accaribo have suffered huge damages. Boats, docks and other structures have been damaged. The State last year made it clear to Alcoa that its dam was in a bad state and that this could have certain consequences. The dam had a theoretical life expectancy of 10 years which expired last year. The water flowed inland for about 30 meters. An assessment of the damage must be made and the report will be presented to Natural Resources Minister Regilio Dodson. Minister Dodson explained that Alcoa is responsible for maintenance of the dam at Kalverblad and that Alcoa will therefore be held accountable for all the damage. “They will have to cover the damages”, Minister Dodson on Thursday told Parliament after legislators had demanded clarity. The Ministry of Public Works (OW) and other partners such as the National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR) are already on the case. Meanwhile Alcoa and the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) have also offered a lending hand. The MAS in November 2016 warned the government and Alcoa about the looming danger of a breach in the dam. But Alcoa failed to take action. Minister Dodson made it clear that “it is already certain that sanctions will follow.”