Traders at Praia Cacimba do Padre, in Noronha, complain about the mud and the risk of disease in the region | Living Noronha

Traders in the Praia Cacimba do Padre region, in Fernando de Noronha, are concerned about the constant accumulation of mud in the area and the risk of accidents and diseases such as leptospirosis and also arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya and zika.

The island is going through the rainy season, which should continue until May. Restaurant owners said the mud has already caused casualties.

“There have already been a number of tourists with children in their arms. Years ago, a worker in the area died with leptospirosis. We requested an inspection from Health Surveillance, we had information that a person came, collected samples, confirmed the dengue outbreak and contacted the infrastructure sector of the Island Administration, but so far nothing has been done”, said restaurant owner Maísa Gonçalves.

Trader Maria Gorete Félix, who also has a restaurant at the entrance to Cacimba do Padre, stated that the rainy season is a period of torment for those who work there.

“When it rains, the holes are filled with dirty water for months. The dirt is huge, the water is bad, it looks like sewage. This has been going on for years and there is no solution”, said Maria Gorete.

The problem also affects beach vendors. They warned that tourists are not prepared to avoid illnesses.

“The mud stinks a lot. We are afraid of getting sick, we use repellent and always have shoes on, but tourists are unprepared and step in the mud. The risk is great of contracting leptospirosis and dengue fever”, said Gisele Cacimba.

The trader stated that the workers tried to organize a collective effort, but did not have authorization from the government to carry out improvement actions.

“We got together and requested authorization to fill the hole, but we did not receive authorization from the Noronha Administration, it was not allowed. They don’t do it and they don’t let it be done”, Gisele said.

The president of the Fernando de Noronha Beach Street Vendors Association, Herbert Câmara, said that the situation affects general movement in the area.

“Restaurants lose customers and we, here on the beach, are also affected. Tourists find the water pooled at the entrance to Cacimba do Padre and many leave. Furthermore, visitors and workers are at risk of contracting diseases”, said Herbert.

g1 contacted the Island Administration to find out when the mud problem in the region will be resolved and what actions will be taken to prevent professionals who work in the area and tourists from being exposed to the risk of illness.

The local government responded, through a note, that a team from the Infrastructure, Works and Environment Superintendence of the Fernando de Noronha Administration “is already working at Praia da Cacimba do Padre, in other areas, and that the location questioned is within of the schedule, depending only on the weather conditions for the service to be carried out”, informed the note.

The note also informed that Health Surveillance was in the space on March 27, provided guidance and applied larvicide, and that it will continue to monitor and monitor.