Tunisia’s southern city of Gabes has been gripped by protests over the past two weeks, as hundreds of residents take to the streets to denounce an environmental and health crisis. The demonstrations, which led to a general strike on Tuesday, are centered on a government-owned phosphate processing plant accused of emitting toxic gas. Researchers have discovered that the factory’s waste contains radioactive materials, posing a significant risk of cancer to the local population.

The controversy surrounding the plant is not new, with opposition dating back several years. In 2017, the government pledged to shut down the facility, but this year, it reversed its decision, opting to increase production instead. The move has sparked outrage, particularly among young people, who have been at the forefront of the protests in the city of 400,000.

The general strike, which saw offices and shops closed, was a significant escalation of the demonstrations. Thousands of workers participated, demanding the immediate closure of the phosphate processing plant. The protests have highlighted the deep-seated concerns of the local community, which feels that the government has failed to address the environmental and health impacts of the plant.

The situation in Gabes has significant implications for Tunisia’s environmental and public health policies. The government’s decision to ramp up production at the plant has raised questions about its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the demonstrators and address the concerns of the local community.

The phosphate processing plant has been a source of controversy for years, with many arguing that its operations pose a significant risk to the environment and public health. The latest protests have brought the issue back into the spotlight, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the concerns of the local community. As the situation in Gabes continues to unfold, it is likely that the government will face increasing pressure to take decisive action to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of the plant.