Thi\u00e8s, Senegal – On the second day (6 October) of a historic legal action to shut down a polluting fishmeal factory in the town of Cayar, the High Court of Thi\u00e8s was shown shocking laboratory evidence of toxic metals in drinking water from the town. The plaintiffs also revealed video documentation of the factory\u2019s truck illegally dumping waste in the lake, which is connected to the same groundwater. The court adjourned until 3 November, when a judgement is expected. <\/p>\n\n
The Taxawu Cayar Collective, which is bringing the case against the factory, described the revelations as \u201cdespicable\u201d and as clear evidence that the factory has violated their community\u2019s right to a healthy environment by polluting the town\u2019s air and its drinking water source.<\/p>\n\n
The packed courtroom was told that an independent analysis by the Laboratory of Hydrology and Toxicology at the University of Dakar\u2019s Faculty of Medicine had found levels of chrome and selenium exceeding legal limits in Cayar\u2019s tap water, and that the same toxic metals are found in high levels in the nearby Lake Mbawane, which is connected to the town\u2019s tap water.[1] The sampling was observed by a bailiff.<\/p>\n\n
The court was also shown video footage from August this year when Taxawu Collective members, Greenpeace Africa campaigners and a bailiff witnessed a truck from the factory arriving at the lake, dumping waste effluent and leaving.[2] This footage, combined with the shocking laboratory results, were clear proof of lawbreaking by the factory, said the plaintiffs. <\/p>\n\n
Outside the court, dozens of Cayar residents assembled to show their support for the legal challenge.<\/p>\n\n
All\u00e9 Sy, Spokesperson of the Taxawu Cayar Collective, said:<\/strong> Maitre Bathily, the Collective\u2019s lawyer, said: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n “The factory has repeatedly broken our country\u2019s environmental law – and here is independent evidence showing the terrible impact that their callous behaviour is having. We can only conclude that the factory has lied to the court, to the media and most shockingly to the people of Cayar and of Senegal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n Dr Aliou Ba, Greenpeace Africa\u2019s Senior Oceans Campaigner, said:<\/strong> \u201cThis is how the global fishmeal and fish oil industry works. They steal our fish, they take away our jobs, they make fish unaffordable here, and they even poison our environment. The cash from this evil enterprise goes to big corporations, and who pays the price? It\u2019s the people of West Africa. But no more. The people of Cayar are fighting back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n Notes to editors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n [1] The independent laboratory analyses, which followed water sampling verified by a bailiff, revealed:<\/p>\n\n [2] Available in the Greenpeace Media Library<\/a> shortly will be: <\/p>\n\n Greenpeace Africa is demanding:<\/p>\n\n Press contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n For West African outlets:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Amagor Robert Niang, <\/strong> For other outlets:
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\u201cHere is the proof: the factory\u2019s ownership has been breaking the law, polluting our water and callously putting us and our children in danger. And they\u2019re doing it just so they can make a little more profit from the business of ravaging Senegal\u2019s fish stocks. It is despicable. The people of Cayar cannot wait to see them shut down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Communications Officer, Greenpeace Africa<\/strong>
aniang<\/strong>@admin+221771834049\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Richard Sayeed, <\/strong>
International Communications Coordinator, Greenpeace Africa<\/strong>
rsayeed@greenpeace.org<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n