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– Able to access medical care through ECHO programme“We will finally be freed of the mounting dumpsite,” said an elated 20-year-old Yolanda Livan, a resident of North East La Penitence, Georgetown, yesterday.  The young woman was at the time seeking medical attention for an asthmatic condition she developed about two years ago. She is of the firm belief that the prevailing health condition from which she suffers is a direct result of her exposure to the emissions from the now closed Le Repentir dumpsite.Livan was among a number of other persons that were able to gain the attention of medical professionals, who were yesterday volunteering their services at a health camp which was organised by the Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO).The health camp has been set up at the Elim Pentecostal church in North East La Penitence.According to Livan, she first learnt of the health camp from her mother, who urged her to take advantage of the medical programme which she heard was likely to continue for the next few weeks.Livan’s cousin, 26-year-old Tamika Livan, also expressed gratitude yesterday for the closure of the dumpsite, stating that she has over the years developed what she described as “a shortness of breath” which has affected her considerably. She was optimistic that the service offered by the health clinic will somehow help to improve her condition.But it was an elderly resident, Ms Victorine Smith, who has resided in North East since 1961, that appeared to be the most grateful for the closure of the waste disposal site.“I thank God that they moved it…finally!” she exclaimed in a gratified tone as she received medical service yesterday.Residents of the area have also been accessing medical service from the East La Penitence Health Centre. But according to ECHO Communications Director,Mike Ditka Bears Jersey, Shellon Simon, ECHO had sometime ago indicated its interest in helping persons affected by fumes emanating from the dumpsite.Persons within the vicinity of the dumpsite, as well as those from neighbouring environments,Gale Sayers Jersey, were seen as the most in need of medical assistance, Simon said.  As a result, a decision was taken to reach out to the residents to render needful medical service with the assistance of some Non-Governmental Organisations.“We know that we cannot eliminate the problem entirely but we are just providing somewhat of a solution to those who feel they need medical assistance in one way or another for conditions that could have resulted from prolonged exposure to the dumpsite.” Children and senior citizens have been identified as the most vulnerable to possible health problems, thus they are being given priority attention, Simon explained yesterday.She revealed that a screening process had commenced last week to identify those who are genuinely in need of assistance. Screening was undertaken mainly by Volunteering Staff Nurse Marilyn Isaacs,Michael Irvin Cowboys Jersey, and Dr Haydock Wilson was slated to start attending to patients yesterday. Another doctor is expected to render assistance as well.During screening sessions,Tony Dorsett Jersey, Nurse Isaacs said that primary among the complaints that surfaced were those related to respiratory conditions. Some she said, complained of shortness of breath, burning sensations to the skin and eyes, skin rashes, headaches, weight loss,Dan Hampton Bears Jersey, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and there were even cases of diarrhoea.“Some of them complained that it was during the fires at the dumpsite that their distressing symptoms would mostly emerge while others claim that it has been a constant battle to tolerate the stench emanating from the dumpsite.Some residents say that they are unable to eat because of the smell and if they try they would suffer vomiting spells…so the cases that we have seen have varied,” Nurse Isaacs noted.But although the health camp has been a welcomed feature, Simon related yesterday that it may not be available for more than a period of three weeks. She explained that since there will not be sustained financing for the programme,Dak Prescott Cowboys Jersey, which will entail a health awareness aspect, it may very well have to be a one-off venture.With the relocation of the dumpsite to Haags Bosch, East Bank Demerara, residents are been warned to desist from dumping at the old Le Repentir site which has officially been closed.Garbage contractors andindividuals alike should only use the new site for the purpose of waste disposal, according to Public Relations Officer of the Mayor and City Council, Royston King.He said too that persons who dare to defy this order will without a doubt be prosecuted by law.And in order to ensure that the relocation of the landfill site does not inspire wanton littering,Richard Dent Bears Jersey, the municipality with the support of the City Constabulary,Walter Payton Jersey, the Solid Waste Management Department and the Environmental Health Division,Ezekiel Elliott Jersey, have intensified the municipal anti-litter campaign in various sections of the city.