In the southern city of Gabes, Tunisia, a significant health crisis has emerged, with local authorities reporting that more than 120 individuals have required hospitalization due to respiratory issues attributed to pollution from a nearby chemical factory. This situation is particularly concerning as reports indicate that several children have been admitted to Gabes University Hospital, exhibiting alarming symptoms linked to the noxious emissions.
According to Tunisia’s state-run TAP news agency, the troubling medical emergencies have sparked critical dialogue among residents, who cite ongoing concerns regarding health impacts tied to pollution from the Tunisian Chemical Group’s phosphate headquarters. This facility has been a focal point of frustration for the community, particularly since local officials pledged in 2017 to close it, a promise that has not yet been fulfilled.
Local deputy chief Ghofrane Touati confirmed that patients have not only suffered from respiratory ailments but also reported symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, and loss of mobility. These developments have prompted community members to express their distress. Resident Tawfik Dhaifallah shared that his sister is among those affected, struggling to breathe due to the fumes that periodically saturate the air.
In a demonstration of collective frustration, on October 11, residents organized protests demanding the plant’s closure, expressing a shared sentiment that Gabes has become a “city of death,” crippled by severe pollution. During these protests, tensions escalated into clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, who responded with tear gas, illustrating the urgency of community demands.
Acknowledging the legitimacy of the protesters’ grievances, the Gabes local council urged for the deconstruction of polluting chemical plants, while also condemning any acts of violence. The Tunisian League of Human Rights has voiced its support for the movement, calling for a new regional development model that prioritizes environmental health and sustainability.
In response to the growing crisis, President Kais Saied has held meetings with environmental and energy ministers, instructing them to address the necessary repairs at the phosphate plant and emphasizing the government’s dedication to creating a “green Tunisia free of all pollution.” While phosphate remains Tunisia’s most valuable natural resource, the government faces the complex challenge of balancing public health with economic aspirations to significantly increase production by 2030.
The unfolding situation in Gabes serves as a vital reminder of the pressing need for environmental accountability and the imperative for sustainable development practices, as the city grapples with the dual burdens of health crises and economic development.
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