Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides)- “The number of people seeking hospital treatment for intoxication symptoms has not diminished”. For the moment street protests have stopped, but people are demanding free medicines to treat the consequences of toxic waste exhalations” Fides was told by a Catholic missionary Abidjan economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire where the government was forced to resign due to protests against intoxication caused by illegally dumped toxic waste (see Fides 7 September 2006).
“Protests have stopped but the people are demanding the truth and concrete compensation for those intoxicated” the missionary said. “Unless these demands are met, protests will probably resume and with more intensity. In the meantime France has offered to send medicines and specialised medical teams”.
Press reports say a French Civil Protection team has been despatched to Côte d'Ivoire to help local authorities organise protection measures. To neutralise toxic waste the Ivorian government formed a special inter-ministerial committee to head an emergency. Although the government has resigned the committee remains. The priority is to make toxic waste left all over the city secure and to assist the intoxicated people. “The waste will be put in safe deposits to be built as soon as possible” the Ivorian Planning minister assured the nation.
The waste has been dumped in at least 9 open air areas in various parts of Abidjan, a city with a population of 4 million (almost one third of the entire national population). People who have inhaled the toxic exhalations are showing symptoms such as vomiting, skin rash, diarrhoea, severe head ache. At first it was feared that the waste was also radioactive, but testing proved negative. The waste, which arrived in Côte d'Ivoire on the Probo Koala merchant ship, was due to be treated by a local company. An investigation has been started to find out why the waste was dumped in different parts of the city instead of being treated as is prescribed by international agreements to protect both the environment and the health of the people.
At the political level the resignation of the national unity government has been criticised by the opposition (which has members in government) fearing a move by the President and the Prime Minster to cover up responsibilities. A new government is due to be formed next week. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/9/2006 righe 38 parole 445)
