Residential courtyards are transformed into soap and oil processing and production units in our neighborhoods. In these places, hygiene is not there and the pollution of the environment is garish. Report !
The industrial zone refers to large areas within cities or on the outskirts whose zoning authorizes industrial use. The industrial zone of the city of Bobo-Dioulasso is located in Lafiabougou. In this neighborhood, some houses have lost their sense of habitation, as they have been transformed into oil and soap production units. To make soap, a mixture of fatty acid, oil or fat and soda is used. As for oil, the elements used for its manufacture are cottonseed, caustic soda and other chemicals. This activity is practiced and generally employs women.
Thanks to the income they derive from this activity, they are able to meet their needs. However, in these places, oil and soap are produced without taking into account the slightest respect for hygiene conditions. Hygiene rules are trampled on. Indeed, the property is not there, everything is dirty. The employees of these small processing units are often not protected. In these places where oil and soap are made and deposited, barrels, bags and cans are piled up in places. While it is true that these small units make it possible to solve the problem of unemployment to some extent, the fact remains that they cause enormous difficulties for the environment. Soap making produces several wastes that are not well managed. Poor management of this waste generates waste water, caustic soda particles and oil losses that pollute the plant cover. In addition, the state of the homes that shelter them are deplorable and are generally in a state of advanced degradation.
Wastewater produced by these units is usually poured into the street. Sometimes they are poured into the gutters when the sky gives us rain. In addition, the majority of producers have health problems related to contact with acid or soda. They work with my bare hands. Because most of these workers ignore the rules of individual and collective protection. In these units, there is an unbreathable odor that can cause illness.
These odors disturb the neighborhood. But, what does the municipality do to supervise this activity? For example, it would be necessary to intensify the raids in the neighborhoods to sensitize the first persons in charge on hygiene and the protection of the environment. At the end of these raids, it can proceed with the dismantling of these illicit oil and soap production units. It can also sanction those who practice the said activity without the necessary accreditations according to the texts in force.
Karim LEMA/ Intern
