Moonilal says gov't won't build smelter but will use solar panels to conserve energy

Trinidad and Tobago's new environment minister is promising that he will keep a campaign pledge not to build any smelter in the country.

That issue was a highly sensitive one during the campaign for the May 24 general election with Moonilal in the opposition at the time insisting that a smelter would damage the environment and put people's health at risk.

The Manning administration was insiting on going ahead with the smelter project despite a court injunction and serious concerns expressed by conservationists and the country's Environmental Management authority.

Moonilal spoke within the Trinidad Guardian on Tuesday shortly after meeting with top officials of his ministry, which includes the housing portfolio.

He told the paper he is also committed to exploring alternative sources of energy to lower the country’s levels of carbon emissions, adding that he hopes to establish as a task to look into the matter.

He said one consideration would be to consider using solar power in Government buildings and for housing.

The minister said one proposal would be in collaboration with the Housing Development Company (HDC) and include solar panels on government housing units to reduce the among of electricity consumed by each household.

Moonilal said he also plans to meet with his Works and Transport colleague, Jack Warner to discuss solar-powered traffic lights similar to the ones used in most developed countries.

Moonilal's plans also include environmental conservation, which he said should be the concerns of everyone.

Recycling would also constitute a part of the environment minister's priorities, Moonilal said. He added that he would lobby for legislation to penalise anyone who improperly disposes of waste or litters of rivers and other waterways.