Toxic waste firm 'acted lawfully'

2006-09-08 09:21

Amsterdam - The Dutch company that offloaded toxic waste blamed for the deaths of three children in the Ivory Coast in recent weeks said on Thursday that it had acted lawfully and was "actively searching for ways" to help victims.

Ivory Coast's entire 32-member cabinet resigned on Wednesday amid growing public anger over the waste, which was apparently dumped near residential areas in Abidjan.

Trafigura Beheer BV said in a statement that the waste came from the ship Probo Koala, a gasoline tanker, and were the remnants from cleaning the tanks after a shipment.

The company said: "There was carelessness in the handling of the waste, despite the company's disclosure to the authorities about its contents and a written request ... that the waste would be processed according to the laws of the land."

Clean-up team 'to arrive soon'

It said the waste had been handed over to a local company called "Tommy", which it said was certified to process the waste.

Amstelveen, Netherlands-based commodities trading company said, said: "Trafigura is actively searching for ways to offer a helping hand, together with local authorities, in any way possible, to help the victims."

Ivory Coast state radio said a French clean-up team was expected to arrive soon to help deal with the crisis.

According to an Ivorian government health report, among the chemicals in the residue was hydrogen sulfide, which in concentrated doses could kill humans, but after being diffused gave off the odor of matches or rotten eggs.

Health officials said many people had gone to hospitals with complaints ranging from eye irritation to nausea.

Hundreds of residents took to the streets in the West African country on Tuesday to complain about the stench, waving placards asking the government to act to clean up the area.

The national-unity cabinet that resigned included top rebel leaders from Ivory Coast's 2002-2003 civil war, loyalists of President Laurent Gbagbo, and opposition politicians.

- AP