AFRICA/COTE D'IVOIRE - The Bishops: "speculation and wild urbanization among the causes of the deadly flood in Abidjan"

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - It is not just climate change that provokes humanitarian tragedies, but also human responsibility. This is what the Ivorian Episcopal Conference states in a note expressing its condolences for the twenty victims of the floods that struck Abidjan on the night between 18 and 19 June (see Fides 21/6/2018). After thanking the authorities and all those who have assisted the affected population, the Bishops underline the risks of wild urbanization, often fueled by corruption, in an urban fabric like that of Abidjan, which rises on a lagoon and is crossed by canals.
"In a sprawling city like Abidjan, which is developing rapidly and whose urbanization is galloping, there is a risk of unplanned settlements in violation of the safety norms and the natural topography of the city with its pools of water" the Bishops say . "Construction speculations are also likely to occur in the immediate vicinity of hazardous areas".
The Ivorian government has announced the expulsion of the inhabitants of the areas at risk. The provision was taken on June 21 at the end of the National Security Council chaired by President Alassane Ouattara.
According to a statement read on national television by the Minister of the Interior Sidiki Diakite, the government has decided to destroy the buildings built on the drainage routes and the expulsion of people living in flood-prone areas. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/6/2018)

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