Minister Vows 'ASAP' Action on St. Mary's Abandoned Fish Sauce Plant

Municipal Affairs Minister Chris Tibbs had a first-hand look today at an abandoned fish sauce plant that has been a thorn in the side of the town of St. Mary’s for the last two decades. Tibbs says government is committed to getting the issue addressed “ASAP.” He paid a visit to the area today along with officials from his department and the departments of environment and transportation. The building, which still contains vats and pallets full of fermenting fish sauce, has been slowly falling apart since it was abandoned more than 20 years ago. The situation got worse last Friday when the front of the building blew down in high winds. At least one resident has been temporarily relocated as a precaution. With more strong gusts in the forecast this evening, the first priority is securing the building says Tibbs. “With the contractors today we’re going to get this secured over the next 48 hours” he said of the building which is currently open to the elements. “And then we can start working on the product itself and finally get this behind the good people of St. Mary’s, where it should be.” Minister Tibbs says it’s his understanding that some federal money is in the offing to help to finally get the area cleaned up and the building torn down. “Make no mistake,” says Tibbs, “Premier Wakeham has given me the directive to get this done.” He says the province will be responsible for making sure the product is taken away, and the demolition will be carried out in conjunction with the town.