Gabes: Save the environment… or the economy?

Gabes, formerly known as Tacapes, is a coastal city in southern Tunisia. Home to a green oasis and a rich cultural heritage, Gabes is also a strategic hub for industrial activities, the most important of which is phosphate processing.

These activities have been a source of major concern in the area since the establishment in the 1970’s of the Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT), the mother factory of 10 other sub factories throughout the southern region, particularly between the districts of Ghannouch and Chott Salam. The factories in question have caused ecological deterioration as well as concerning health issues for factory workers and residents of Gabes alike. The Chemical Group’s industrial activities result in the release of toxins including toxic gases, sulfur dioxide and ammonia; the latter have caused respiratory issues (asthma, bronchitis, etc.) within the local population. As Inkyfada journalist Hortenese Lac reports:

On January 22^nd, 2019, Debaya posted videos online showing thick orange smoke coming from one of the chemical group’s chimneys. At the time, many of Gabes’ residents, particularly in the town of Ghannouch, were experiencing breathing difficulties.

On January 22, 2019, Debaya posted videos online showing thick orange smoke coming from one of the chemical group’s chimneys. At the time, many of Gabes’ residents, particularly in the town of Ghannouch, were experiencing breathing difficulties.

The sea has served as GCT’s deposit for industrial pollution as it dumps waste onto the beach. The Gulf of Gabes is a marine area and home to different species of reptiles, migratory birds and sea animals such as sardines, sea bream and sea turtles. The harmful toxins dumped into the water are devastating for marine life, eventually causing extinction and disrupting the ecosystem.

This toxic dumping has also “caused skin irritation and allergies among residents during the summertime” citizens report.

Green activists within the international non-profit organization “Fridays for Future” in Gabes have long protested against the ongoing industrial pollution and have called for the Chemical Group to shut its doors.

“There is no planet B; a climate change requires a change of climate and that starts when this pollution stops,” green activist Amal Toumi says with urgency.

But the situation has also brought to the table the vital question of economic stability. Toumi, a transplant from Sfax, argues that: “we shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences of a situation imposed on us by the country,” adding, “I’m not only a green activist, but a social one too. I can’t fight for environmental issues at the expense of social ones.”

Gabes’ economy relies heavily on the GCT’s financial contribution: were it to shut down, not only factory employees but also most of the city would be impacted. Phosphate processing provides jobs for many people in Gabes, both directly and indirectly, and is a major source of revenue for the local economy. The Chemical Group’s closure could have widespread repercussions in terms of reduced economic activity and government resources. Were GCT to close its doors and lay off engineers, technicians and chemists, the latter would be hard-pressed to find alternative employment opportunities in Gabes. This in turn could lead to outmigration towards other regions or other countries, which would mean depopulation and brain drain in Gabes.

The GCT’s supporting network and businesses like transport services and maintenance and logistics suppliers could also suffer. Spending power in Gabes is held by those who work in the chemical industry and contribute to the prosperity of small vendors, shops and restaurants in the area. Job loss within the Chemical Group would thus indirectly result in a decline in sales, the slow-down of Gabes’ economy overall, and, consequently, economic and social unrest.

“I know fellow activists who want to bring about the end of the Chemical Group, which I think is unrealistic,” Toumi explains. “Although residents here might do their best to fight for a sustainable environment, they wouldn’t want the Chemical Group to close its doors; They either die from pollution… or would starve” she says in a grave voice.

Gabes’ population, it seems, faces an impossible choice: save the environment, or the economy? Either way, the region’s residents are paying the price for the ongoing dilemma.

But Toumi insists that it is never too late to bring reasonable solutions to the table. “Thankfully, people have grown more aware and resilient over the years. Their city is dear to them; we’re planting more trees, educating more people in different districts about the matter.” Optimistic, Toumi believes that “more realistic viewpoints and governmental action could bring real change.”