Smoke from the New Providence landfill could be seen for miles yesterday across the island. The smoke from yet another fire, as has happened many times over the years, covered the surrounding area.

The landfill was formerly under the control of the government. It was poorly conceived and inadequately managed. The residents of New Providence, sadly, are accustomed to such fires. The reasons given are usually spontaneous combustion or arson. The government handed over management of the site to Renew Bahamas in May 2014. The fires have continued, however.

Renew Bahamas officials have said the company is doing all it can to ensure the problem does not persist. The smoke is unhealthy. It is likely filled with carcinogens.

Dr. Arlington Lightbourne, medical director of the Wellness Center, yesterday expressed concern about the "tremendous" long-term health risks for residents.

"This is so tragic that this is happening yet again," he told The Nassau Guardian. "I am concerned about the people most affected; the elderly, the children and the sick. These are the people who are going to have the greatest impact.

"Repeated exposure to this smoke, which we don't know what the contents are - carcinogens and heavy metals - there is no doubt in my mind that these people are going to have some long-term health issues. This has been happening for years and it seems to be getting worse and not better."

Residents and concerned citizens have created a lobby group - Raising Awareness About the Bahamas Landfill - to advocate for urgent action.

Renew Bahamas would argue that it needs more time to fix the problems at the site. The landfill has been filled with all manner of items for decades. The problem is that the dangerous smoke that comes from the regularly occurring fires compromises the health of Bahamians now. Area residents don't have the luxury of patience.

The landfill is a national emergency for all who live in the area. The government should not just sit and wait for Renew to hopefully find a solution sometime in the future.

Lightbourne, who lives in a nearby community, said residents have some choice with what they eat and drink, but they "cannot control the air they breathe". He is right. They are trapped in an unsafe environment and there seems to be no short to medium-term plan to bring resolution to the problem.

We hope the government moves this issue up on its list of priorities. Lives are at stake.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian