It was less than two weeks ago I wrote
in this space that government had totally failed in their approach
and readiness to combat the sargassum seaweed problem.

They were warned and warned there was
going to be a problem month before it arrived and to all appearances
did nothing to prepare for the crisis that we now face.

I spoke yesterday to the couple who had
their own problems with the seaweed and lost bookings. No help from
government and it cost m $3,000 to get rid of it from their own
purse.

However, we shouldn't worry as the
Minister in charge of Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Unit, Joey
Hew, said in the LA a long-term plan is being shaped to tackle the
increasing problem.

Note the word “increasing”.

He did admit his previous plan to
battle the problem failed. The equipment used to remove the stinking
and unsightly mess didn't work. “New specialised equipment was
needed as well as manual labour.

Well.Well.

As for using unemployed persons and
prisoners that was being considered.

How long will that take?

The cost of the specialised equipment -
$150,000. Really?

Hew admitted that the sargassum
cleaning up project had now partially stalled but work was still
being done by parks and recreation staff on the beaches, manually and
using a backhoe. A backhoe? One backhoe?

Now comes the big rub. Government had
contracted local private beach-cleaning companies to help with the
worst-hit areas. At what cost?

Not disclosed.

No worries, however. Once the new plan
was finalised all will be well.

And what is the new plan?

No details yet as this new plan has not
been finalised.

When will it be?

Don't know.

I think I have been sarcastic enough so no comment. Sargassum.? That problem is going to get worse. And THATt is a fact.