President Kaïs Saïed Denounces Environmental Disaster in Gabès
Tunisian Leader Calls for Urgent Action to Save Region from Industrial Pollution
President of the Republic, Kaïs Saïed, stated on Tuesday, during a meeting with the Ministers of Health, Environment, Industry, Energy, and Mines, that "the environment has been murdered in Gabès for many years," referring to industrial choices that have been deemed "crimes" and have resulted in numerous victims.
He condemned the spread of serious diseases, including cancer and osteoporosis, as well as the destruction of oases and all forms of life in the region. The Head of State recalled that some African countries had refused the installation of the chemical complex, which Tunisia accepted in Gabès.
Looking back on his visits to the region in 2013, 2014, and 2015, he highlighted that many young people had presented studies and concrete solutions to restore environmental balance and give Gabès back its unique character, situated between the desert, sea, and oases.
Saïed regretted that these proposals were not taken into account, noting that recent cases of poisoning and asphyxiation, which required hospitalization, reveal serious shortcomings in the maintenance of industrial facilities.
He emphasized the need to provide the necessary means and implement urgent mechanisms to save Gabès and Tunisia from this environmental situation that has persisted for decades.
