The southern Tunisian city of Gabes came to a standstill on Tuesday as workers and residents launched a general strike to protest worsening pollution from a state-owned chemical plant accused of causing serious health problems.
The citywide shutdown follows weeks of demonstrations demanding the closure of the phosphate processing factory, which locals say has poisoned their air, water, and livelihoods.
“Everything is closed in Gabes,” said Saoussen Nouisser, a local representative of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT). “We’re all angry at the catastrophic environmental situation in our marginalised city,” she told AFP.
The phosphate plant, established in 1972, produces fertilisers and releases chemical gases and industrial waste into the air and the Mediterranean Sea.
Researchers have warned that some of these emissions are radioactive and carcinogenic, contributing to a surge in respiratory illnesses and cancer cases among residents.
Over the past month, more than 200 people have been hospitalised for gas poisoning and breathing difficulties, according to local health officials and NGOs.
Public anger peaked after videos of children struggling to breathe circulated online last week, sparking mass protests that drew thousands into the streets.
Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators during several clashes, as night-time confrontations between residents and security forces continued.
Authorities have since pledged “urgent measures” to curb the pollution, including cooperation with Chinese companies to handle toxic waste and gas emissions.
Equipment Minister Salah Zouari said the new initiative would help “control gas emissions” and “prevent the discharge of phosphogypsum into the sea.”
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