Congo: Health & Safety Issues on Fuel Distribution
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Thursday, 11 September 2008 |
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Although there are plenty of petrol stations in the capital of the
Republic of Congo, a growing number of Brazzaville residents are
selling fuel from stocks kept at home.
"This is an increasing
problem and should be forcefully denounced because it frequently causes
damage and human casualties," said Dieudonne Moussala, the head of the
Congolese Consumers' Association (ACC).
Unsafe stored supplies
of petrol, diesel, kerosene and bottled gas can be found all over the
city, exposing those who live nearby to great risk. Unauthorised
makeshift petrol stations are a common sight along main roads in many
parts of the country.
Since the start of 2008,
the ACC has recorded at least 10 accidents in Brazzaville involving
domestic fuel stores. In some cases lives were lost.
In late August, more than 10 houses caught fire in the capital's 16th arrondissement . "It's a question of life
and death and must be resolved urgently," said Quentin Banga, of the
country's human rights council, adding that the problem was caused in
part by poverty and people's need "to do whatever they can to live
decently".
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