AS clean-up continued within the Marabella River yesterday, councillor for the area John Michael Alibocus says families are now closer to returning to their homes. But residents of the surrounding communities say they are sceptical as the scent of hydrocarbons remains in the area.

At least 57 residents were, on Saturday, evacuated from the area to the Royal Hotel in San Fernando after a leaking 12-inch Heritage Petroleum Ltd trunk pipeline in Tarouba saw hydrocarbons spilling into the watercourse and spreading throughout the southern fishing village.

On Saturday, contractors and Heritage representatives were at the site carrying out clean-up efforts that Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal, who then visited the scene, estimated would have been completed by yesterday.