Health Crisis in Gabes: Over 120 Hospitalized Amid Pollution Concerns
In a troubling development for the residents of Gabes, Tunisia, more than 120 individuals have been hospitalized due to severe respiratory issues, which many attribute to pollution from a nearby chemical factory. This alarming situation has sparked widespread concern and protests among the local population, who are increasingly vocal about the health risks posed by industrial emissions.
Rising Health Concerns
Reports from Tunisia’s state-run TAP news agency indicate that children are among those affected, with many experiencing breathing difficulties severe enough to require hospitalization at Gabes University Hospital. Local officials have confirmed that the surge in respiratory problems is not isolated; it is part of a broader pattern of health issues linked to the emissions from the Tunisian Chemical Group’s (CGT) phosphate facility.
Ghofrane Touati, the local deputy chief of defense, noted that patients are not only suffering from respiratory ailments but also from symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, and loss of mobility. This multifaceted health crisis has raised alarms about the long-term implications for the community.
Community Voices
Residents have expressed their frustration and fear regarding the ongoing pollution. Tawfik Dhaifallah, a local resident, shared a harrowing account of his sister’s struggles, stating, “She was suffocating because of the fumes. This happens every two or three days.” Such personal testimonies highlight the urgent need for action and accountability from both local and national authorities.
Historical Context of Pollution
The current crisis is not a new phenomenon. The CGT phosphate facility has been a source of contention for years. In 2017, authorities pledged to gradually close the site due to its hazardous emissions, which have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and bone fragility among residents. However, these promises have yet to materialize, leaving the community in a state of ongoing distress.
Protests Erupt
On October 11, frustration boiled over as residents took to the streets, demanding the closure of the chemical complex. The protests quickly escalated, with demonstrators clashing with police, who responded with tear gas. Some protesters attempted to set fire to a CGT administrative office, while others blocked roads in a show of defiance against the perceived inaction of the government.
Khaireddine Dbaya, a protester, articulated the community’s despair, stating, “Gabes has turned into a city of death. People are struggling to breathe.” This sentiment reflects a growing sense of urgency among residents who feel their health and well-being are being sacrificed for industrial profit.
Government Response
In the wake of the protests, the Gabes local council expressed support for the demonstrators’ “legitimate” demands while condemning acts of violence. The Tunisian League of Human Rights also voiced its support, calling for the dismantling of polluting units and advocating for a sustainable development model that prioritizes public health.
President Kais Saied’s government is under increasing pressure to address these health concerns while balancing the economic importance of phosphate production, Tunisia’s most valuable natural resource. In a bid to quell public anger, Saied met with ministers of environment and energy, urging them to send teams to Gabes to assess and repair the phosphate acid unit at the complex. He emphasized the need for “a green Tunisia free of all pollution,” signaling a potential shift in governmental priorities.
The Economic Dilemma
While the government aims to revive the phosphate industry, planning to increase production fivefold to 14 million tonnes by 2030, the environmental and health implications of such expansion remain contentious. Activists have long warned about the dangers posed by the CGT, which has been criticized for dumping waste directly into the environment, exacerbating the pollution crisis.
The historical context of industrial pollution in Tunisia is complex. The country has a rich history of phosphate mining, which has contributed significantly to its economy. However, this economic reliance has often come at the expense of environmental health, leading to a cycle of neglect and public outcry.
Conclusion
The situation in Gabes serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between industrial development and public health. As more residents fall ill and protests continue, the pressure on the Tunisian government to take decisive action grows. The community’s calls for accountability and change echo a broader global conversation about environmental justice and the rights of citizens to live in a healthy environment. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the government will heed these calls or allow the cycle of pollution and health crises to persist.
