Tunisia’s southern city of Gabes is facing a serious public health emergency as over 120 residents have been hospitalized amid rising cases of respiratory problems linked to industrial pollution. Local authorities and residents have blamed emissions from a nearby Tunisian Chemical Group (CGT) phosphate plant for causing severe health issues, including breathing difficulties, numbness, and loss of mobility.
Children have been among the most affected, with several admitted to Gabes University Hospital for treatment. The surge in hospitalizations highlights the long-standing environmental and health risks posed by the city’s chemical industry.
Health Impact of Pollution in Gabes
Local officials confirmed that the recent spike in hospitalizations has affected residents across all age groups. Ghofrane Touati, Gabes’ deputy chief of defense, reported that besides respiratory issues, some patients were experiencing leg pain, numbness, and mobility loss.
Residents like Tawfik Dhaifallah described the daily challenges caused by the industrial fumes, saying, “My little sister was suffocating because of the fumes. That happens every two or three days.”
Chemical Factory at the Center of Controversy
The CGT phosphate complex in Gabes has been a source of tension for years. Authorities initially pledged to gradually close the plant in 2017, but no comprehensive action has been taken. The facility continues to release gaseous and solid waste into the surrounding environment, contributing to long-term health hazards and environmental degradation.
Residents and activists have raised concerns about rising rates of cancer, bone fragility, and other chronic conditions linked to pollution in the area.
Protests Erupt Over Pollution
Public frustration boiled over on October 11, when residents staged protests demanding the closure of the polluting chemical units. Demonstrations turned violent as police fired tear gas and pursued protesters through city streets. Some demonstrators attempted to set fire to a CGT administrative branch and blocked roads in Gabes.
Khaireddine Dbaya, a protester, said: “Gabes has turned into a city of death. People are struggling to breathe, many residents suffer from cancer or bone fragility due to the severe pollution.”
The Gabes local council has voiced support for the protesters’ “legitimate” demands, calling for the dismantling of polluting factories while condemning acts of violence. The Tunisian League of Human Rights has echoed calls for environmental justice, urging the government to establish a sustainable regional development model.
Government Response and Challenges
In an attempt to ease tensions, President Kais Saied met with the ministers of environment and energy, instructing them to send delegations to repair the phosphate acid unit at the CGT complex. Saied emphasized the need for “a green Tunisia free of all pollution.”
However, balancing public health with the economic importance of phosphate—a critical natural resource for Tunisia—remains a challenge. The government plans to increase phosphate production fivefold to 14 million tonnes by 2030, raising concerns about potential further environmental damage.
Long-Term Implications
The Gabes crisis underscores the health and environmental risks of industrial pollution in Tunisia, particularly from outdated chemical plants. Without urgent reforms, residents may continue facing life-threatening conditions, and public unrest is likely to persist. The situation also highlights the broader global challenge of reconciling economic development with environmental and public health priorities.
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