Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 12/99) - The stink about tainted gas in the community of Gjoa Haven is not going away.

Anger from Gjoa Haven residents who feel the government sent them a shipment of tainted gas has not eased even after government studies that show there was no problem.

Mayor Michael Angottitauruq Sr. says last winter many people in the community had snowmachines with engines that broke down or there were problems with parts such as bearings, crank shaft, pistons or the cylinder walls.

"We know there is something wrong with the gas because of the amount of snowmobiles breaking," Angottitauruq said.

In early June, Kitikmeot leaders met in Gjoa Haven and Manitok Thompson, minister of public works for the Nunavut government said there was no problem with the gas.

"I was completely unsatisfied with her response. She hasn't done anything about it up to this point because she says there is nothing wrong with the gas," according to Angottitauruq.

The hamlet has ordered a delivery of 50 barrels of gas flown up at a cost of $37,000.

The government's position is that it has tested the gas several times and found nothing wrong.

Public works regional superintendent Brent Boddy said it would be up to the minister to comment, and minister Thompson did not return phone calls by press time.

Gjoa Haven has a year's supply of gas barged from Hay River by the Northern Transportation Co. Ltd. and it is stored in large tanks.

The NG contracts Trimark to sell gas to people at a price that hovers around 85 cents per litre.

"It's not the lack of maintenance of the owners because some brand-new snowmobiles broke down and it's not the materials," said Angottitauruq.