Waste dump concerns
April 13, 2004 Edition -1
Mogadishu: A number of mysterious containers seen in the waves off the coast of Somalia have raised concerns that foreign vessels are illegally dumping hazardous waste in the unpatrolled waters off Africa's coastline.
Fishermen saw at least two large containers off the north-eastern coast of Somalia, near the towns of Ige and Bosaso, 1 100km north of Mogadishu.
"These containers may contain nuclear and other dangerous wastes, which may have a tremendous health impact on both fishermen and fish eaters," said Ismail Jumaale, head of the Somali Human Rights Centre in Mogadishu.
The group has been monitoring illegal and suspicious dumping along Somalia's coast.
A lack of central administration and coast guards had made Somalia vulnerable to dumping by foreigners, said Mohammed Ali Aweys, Manager of the Banadir Fishing Company. His fishermen have seen foreign vessels fishing illegally and dumping waste in Somalia's waters.
Somalia has no health officials or testing facilities which could determine if the containers are harmful. Somali fishermen merely try to avoid the material.
Since dictator Mohammed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991, Somalia has not had an effective national government, and is ruled by clan-based factions. - Sapa-AP
