Saskatchewan’s main opposition party, the NDP, has urged Premier Scott Moe’s administration to take action by addressing the sewage pollution affecting the air and land at a facility abandoned by a cult. NDP representative Brittney Senger emphasized that a health order for the property’s owner to handle the situation in Richmound is insufficient. Senger stressed the need for government intervention to clean up the sewage, allowing the community to recover from the ordeal and enabling children and families to once again enjoy outdoor spaces.
The NDP also reiterated its demand for an investigation into the delayed recognition by the Saskatchewan Health Authority and government of the building, an old school, as unsuitable for habitation. In response, Moe’s office highlighted its assistance efforts, including providing guidance on regulatory matters such as bylaw creation and taxation to the community. They mentioned ongoing engagement with local authorities and law enforcement to monitor the situation closely.
Residents in Richmound have endured harassment by the Kingdom of Canada cult for two years, with members reportedly engaging in disruptive behaviors. The situation escalated when the cult ceased payment of utility bills, resulting in the shutdown of water and sewer services, leading to sewage overflow and environmental contamination. Following a police raid on the premises due to reported firearm possession, authorities arrested multiple individuals, including cult leader Romana Didulo and property owner Ricky Manz.
Health authorities declared the building unfit for occupation and instructed the owner to rectify the deficiencies promptly. The health order mandates connecting the structure to a lawful sewage system under supervision until deemed safe. Concerns were raised about the delay in addressing the sewage issue and the responsibility for remediation falling on the property owner.
Richmound’s mayor, Brad Miller, expressed the village’s financial strain in dealing with the cult presence and the challenges in securing adequate support from provincial authorities. He criticized the leniency shown towards the property owner in addressing the sewage problem and emphasized the urgency of resolving the situation promptly. Despite the frustrations endured by the community, Miller acknowledged the necessity of persevering through the difficulties.