A Reportage by Munira Ahmed Al Tayyar
It is indeed vital for Yemen to embark on the path towards domestic industrialization, signaling the onset of a self-reliant era through the establishment of factories that lessen reliance on imports. This strategic shift is envisioned to ignite economic growth and foster the emergence of new employment opportunities. However, the initial optimism surrounding this endeavor for the Yemeni economy has been marred by a significant setback. The increasing presence of toxic fumes emanating from factories nestled within residential areas has triggered a wave of illnesses and sensitivities, tragically steering some individuals towards an unfortunate fate.
The Qasim Mohammed family, with Qasim himself at the age of 55 and residing in the heart of Sana'a, stands as a poignant illustration of the numerous casualties of this grave environmental crisis. They endure afflictions stemming from plastic manufacturing plants situated in close proximity to their residential area. These facilities release noxious and perilous chemical emissions, triggering respiratory ailments and even the specter of cancer. Consequently, Qasim's six-year-old grandson grapples with acute chest sensitivities, resulting in asthma, a condition that impedes his natural breathing process.
In a conversation with "Khuyut," Qasim revealed, "When we sought medical advice for my grandson, the specialist pointed out that his affliction is primarily linked to his exposure to toxic gas fumes that have adversely impacted his respiratory health. It is imperative for him to steer clear of these harmful odors; failing to do so may lead to a severe deterioration of his condition, potentially culminating in cancer."
According to a report unveiled by the Ministry of Health and Population for the year 2020, which was scrutinized by "Khuyut," a distressing reality was brought to light. This report revealed a significant increase in the total number of individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses in Sana'a, with the figure reaching a concerning 767,866 cases. This notable surge starkly contrasts with the comparatively lower count of affected individuals in 2018, which stood at approximately 218,912. This alarming escalation underscores the urgent need for decisive action to tackle the escalating health crisis gripping the city.
In Sana'a alone, there are more than 30 factories operating within densely populated residential areas. These establishments cover a wide spectrum of industries, comprising manufacturing plants, stone cutting facilities, block production sites, plastic factories, and light food manufacturing facilities.
Hazardous Gases and Apprehensions
In his statement to "Khuyut," Engineer Fahti Al-Saou, Director of the Environmental Department in Lahij Governorate, highlighted the emission of various toxic gases from the factories, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) at 80%, carbon monoxide at 10%, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at 8%, and other gases with delayed effects. When these gases mix with acid rainwater vapor, they can have detrimental impacts on the soil. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive environmental management strategies to address the potential soil degradation and safeguard the ecological balance in the region.
Some argue that the issue of factories coexisting within residential areas arises from the sale of land to those desiring to construct homes in close proximity to these factories. Construction occurs with little regard from official bodies towards safeguarding the rights of both parties, be it the factory owners or the residents. This situation is a consequence of the absence of urban planning for these areas and lands.
Dr. Hamdi Al-Turki, a specialist in respiratory and pulmonary diseases, elaborated to "Khuyut" that numerous respiratory ailments stem from breathing in the fumes emanating from factories. These emissions can worsen conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and trigger respiratory setbacks. Additionally, they can cause enduring harm to the respiratory system, including pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.
In Sana'a alone, there are more than 30 factories operating within densely populated residential areas. These establishments cover a wide spectrum of industries, comprising manufacturing plants, stone cutting facilities, block production sites, plastic factories, and light food manufacturing facilities.
In this scenario, citizen Um Tariq - a chosen alias - articulates their challenges in this situation and the rationale behind their shock and hesitancy to lodge a complaint with the relevant authorities to "Khuyut." She conveys, "The circumstances have compelled us to remain silent and endure with fortitude, despite my development of lung inflammation from residing near a light food factory. During summer, my distress heightens as I open the windows for fresh air, only to be overwhelmed by the pervasive scent of burning oils that nearly suffocates me - it is the fear of losing our only source of income."
She further notes, "Furthermore, my son is employed in the neighboring factory and provides for us following his father's paralysis. We are apprehensive that raising a grievance to the authorities may result in my son's dismissal from the factory, jeopardizing our sustenance."
Various hazardous gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) comprising 80%, carbon monoxide at 10%, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at 8%, and additional gases with lingering impacts, are discharged from the factories. When these pollutants amalgamate with acid rainwater vapor, they induce detrimental effects on the soil.
Residential Areas Amidst Smoke
In discussing the placement of industrial facilities within residential zones, environmental advocate and journalist, Bassam Al-Qadhi, sheds light on a critical aspect to "Khuyut." These factories, including plastic and light food manufacturing plants, emit significant levels of pollutants that have multiple detrimental effects on the environment. While they may appear less damaging than cement and chemical factories, the emissions and gases released by these industries contribute to air pollution. This pollution, in turn, has a profound impact on the environment, leading to issues such as global warming, heightened temperatures, and the presence of toxic and harmful acid rain. These environmental factors not only pose risks to human health but also threaten the well-being of various other living organisms.
In contrast, while laws exist to designate suitable areas for industrial activities, the actions of real estate brokers and landowners often deviate from these regulations in pursuit of financial benefits. This disregard for established laws can lead to the sale of land for industrial purposes in residential zones, disregarding the potential negative consequences for local residents. The establishment of factories in close proximity to homes not only exposes inhabitants to harmful pollutants but also poses environmental risks to the community at large. This profit-driven mindset, prioritizing economic gain over the well-being of the populace, highlights a concerning trend that requires urgent attention. It emphasizes the pressing need for more rigorous enforcement of zoning laws and regulations to ensure the protection of citizens' health and safety.
One of the zones heads in the bustling neighborhoods of Sana'a - who chose not to reveal his identity - shares with "Khuyut," stating: "Citizens are taking a gamble by purchasing land near factories without giving much thought to the potential consequences and harms that could befall them as a result of this action." He highlights the presence of a light food factory in his neighborhood, which was constructed eight years ago when the area was largely uninhabited. However, today, it is densely populated with residential homes.
Discrepancy in Assessing the Scope of the Issue
Owners of plastic factories believe they have no connection to the issue of factories being located in residential areas, as explained by Adel Ahmed, the owner of a plastic and tarpaulin factory in Sana'a, to "Khuyut." He states: "The problem is not fundamentally ours. When I chose the location for my factory, it was almost devoid of residents. However, two years after the factory was established, the area became filled with houses and dwellings." According to him, it has become difficult to relocate the factory after obtaining the necessary permits and completing all the construction procedures.
Despite his belief that the presence of factories in residential areas is harmful to health and the environment, he emphasizes that it is the responsibility of the state to allocate specific geographic zones for industrial facilities and impose fines and penalties on those who violate these regulations in order to prevent any harm to the community as a whole.
Moreover, nngineer Khalan Al-Shuja' concurs with the points raised by Adel in his discussion with "Khuyut," highlighting the issue of significant urban expansion occurring alongside the existing factories in an area designated as remote from residential areas. This situation leads to the selling of land near these factories, subsequent construction activities, and a lack of oversight from official bodies in safeguarding the rights of both factory owners and residents. This neglect stems from the absence of proper urban planning for the zones and plots of land.
Furthermore, there exist laws that underscore the necessity of delineating appropriate zones for the establishment of such facilities and mandating the implementation of essential measures to uphold security and environmental well-being. For instance, the Industrial Regulation Law, outlined in Article 12, delegates the responsibility to the Land and Survey Authority, the Urban Planning Authority, and local administrations to propose industrial zones in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands.
Specialized medical professionals emphasize that inhaling the fumes emitted from factories can result in a myriad of respiratory ailments, worsening conditions like asthma, pulmonary obstruction, and chronic respiratory issues, potentially triggering relapses. Furthermore, the far-reaching consequences on the respiratory system include pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.
Legislation and Urban Safeguarding
The Yemeni Law No. 19 of 2002 addresses construction regulations in Article 23, explicitly prohibiting the issuance of permits for building factories, workshops, plants, crushers, stone quarries, or any other facility that poses a threat to public health or disrupts the tranquility of residents in residential and commercial areas. Violators of this provision are subject to fines not exceeding 10% of the value of the non-compliant activities.
While these laws appear equitable and supportive of factory owners in advancing investments and construction while ensuring the protection of human rights and the environment, a pressing question arises: How will the relevant authorities effectively enforce these laws and shield cities from impending hazards and dangers? The intricacies of law enforcement and urban protection mechanisms must be carefully considered and strategically implemented to safeguard the well-being of communities and the environment in the face of potential risks posed by industrial activities in residential areas.
