Test lab proposal awaits action

Should the laboratory at the hospital be upgraded and equipped to conduct tests of biological and chemical samples relating to environmental problems?
Last July a report from New Zealand’s ESR (Environmental Science Research) agency referred to the urgent need to establish an integrated biological and chemical analytical laboratory.
This was to meet the requirements of all ministries responsible for the wellbeing of activities in the Cook Islands.
In order to determine the effectiveness of any programmes in addressing the pollution problems, the country needed to be able to regularly monitor a range of relevant biological and chemical samples in a consistent and timely manner.
Hospital Manager Adi Narayan on Friday advised the Times that in 2004, at the time of the Irritant Syndrome outbreak, the Hospital Lab conducted tests. But they required the importation of certain chemicals which were quite costly.
He said, at the time, Health did not receive any financial assistance from the other Ministries involved. He saw no reason given adequate resourcing and funding why the hospital could not undertake the analyses.
PROPOSAL
The ESR, however, initially proposed setting up an integrated biological and chemical analytical lab under the Ministry for Environment.
The proposal was for two labs.
n A biological lab equipped to undertake analysis of the indicator organisms used in environmental and health monitoring and to be able to concentrate samples for more specialized analyses such as viruses and protozoa.
n A wet chemistry lab equipped to enable analysis of all nutrients including heavy metals, suspended solids, BODs and undertake simple toxicology analyses.
Funding was seen as a major issue with NZAid being considered as a possible source of funds to secure a building, equipment, training and ongoing support.
ESR offered to assist with training and ongoing support and its proposal was sent to interested parties and politicians for consideration and support.
Head of the National Environment Service Vaitoti Tupa told the Times on Friday that following a meeting of stakeholders last year it was proposed there be a feasibility study into setting up labs in particular whether they be stand alone labs or if they be under a Ministry.

Headlines : Times 184 22 Jan 2007
- Cooks storm way to world
- PM lays on sunshine for FBI
- PLEASE, SOMEONE GIVE AN ANSWER
- What’s in a number? Plenty if you’re Tony Hole
- SHAPE UP OR YOU’RE OUT
- Feasibility study may cost $40,000
- Peace Island, Police praise behaviour
- 3 keys to a happy 21st
- Letter to the Editor: From Holland to Amuri: Thank you
- Willie John reports: Funding elusive for environment projects

Headlines : Times 183 15 Jan 2007
- Unwanted! : Karati expected to resign
- Nikao firm to do $700,000 fix up
- Super supremo’s Cooks connection
- Pig farmers look at Best Practice to save lagoon
- Test lab proposal awaits action
- Want to see Malaga? See Engara Gosselin
- Narayan to go to Taipei meeting
- Thousands lost when Princess sails away
- Letter to the Editor: Thank you, Rarotonga