Samuda orders probe into dead crocodiles at Greater Portmore Sewage Ponds

Minister with responsibility for the environment, Matthew Samuda, has commissioned an urgent multi-agency investigation into what he has described as the "troubling" discovery of 10 dead adult crocodiles at the Greater Portmore Sewage Ponds in St Catherine.

In a media release on Friday afternoon, Samuda said he has requested an investigative tour of the facility within the next 36 hours.

Describing the situation as “heartbreaking”, Samuda emphasised the Government’s commitment to uncovering the cause and implementing immediate corrective measures.

“It is an absolutely heartbreaking situation. I have ordered an investigation, and when that investigation is conducted, all results will be made public. I do intend to tour the area over the next 36 hours to see what infrastructure is required to either keep wildlife out of the drain ponds or to ensure that they're able, if they do get caught in there, to escape.

"So, I intend to carry the relevant experts from NEPA (National Environment and Planning Agency), Forestry, NWC (National Water Commission), and other animal experts [wildlife protection officers] to look at what needs to be done in that regard”, Samuda explained.

He said the Government views the incident with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to transparency, swift action, and environmental stewardship.

"As investigations progress, every effort will be made to implement sustainable solutions that protect the country’s wildlife and preserve the integrity of our natural ecosystems," he said.

The Jamaica Observer has reported that four crocodiles were found dead in the two barren sewage ponds in Hellshire, St Catherine, on Thursday following the discovery of six on Tuesday.

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