Officials Commented on the Matter.
The incident, which occurred following heavy overnight rains, led to the collapse of the dump, engulfing nearby tents and shacks. This calamity unfolded less than a week after the government had announced plans to close the site and relocate the waste due to the threat it posed, especially during the rainy season.
The incident took place at approximately 2am local time in the Gbessia commune of Conakry.
The Guinean government, under the leadership of Minister of Territorial Administration Djénabou Touré Camara, had previously declared the landfill unsafe and intended to relocate the waste outside Conakry. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the site on Sunday to assess the damage and oversee the response efforts. Rescue workers are currently using excavators and other tools to clear the site and search for any survivors.
One witness, Cire Diallo, reported the loss of her five children in the tragedy. “I have lost all my children. All I can do is put my trust in God, “she told reporters at the scene.
Guinea, which holds the world’s largest bauxite reserves and a rich untapped iron ore deposit at Simandou, faces significant challenges in infrastructure and widespread poverty.
A World Bank report indicates that 3. 7 million of its 15. 1 million citizens live on less than $4.
20 a day.
The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s waste management policies and the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures at dump sites across the country.
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of this somber event, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive waste management strategies and effective safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: The guardian
Source: Reuters
