For years, the Metssa Congo factory, responsible for recycling used batteries and industrial products containing lead and aluminium, has been emitting toxic smoke daily into the air surrounding residential areas in Vindoulou. This factory, shockingly located a mere 50 meters from a large school, poses a severe risk to the health and wellbeing of hundreds of children and residents in the vicinity. Concerned residents have repeatedly voiced their grievances, citing frequent headaches, stomach aches, and respiratory issues since the factory commenced its operations. Testimonies from a school teacher underscore the alarming impact on children’s health, with reports of regular vomiting and coughing, particularly exacerbated by the presence of smoke, necessitating the removal of students from classes to alleviate their discomfort.
In August 2020, the factory was temporarily shuttered by the prefect due to mounting concerns and the absence of proper environmental impact assessments. During this closure, the company funded clinical examinations for residents; however, the results of these tests were not disclosed to the affected individuals thereafter. Despite these issues, in November 2020, the Ministry of Environment sanctioned the factory to resume operations, stipulating that it should swiftly bring the site in line with environmental standards within a three-month timeframe.
Regrettably, Metssa Congo denies the toxic nature of its emissions, maintaining that it possesses all requisite legal documents for operation and dismissing any long-term risks associated with its activities. However, blood tests conducted in March 2023 revealed alarming levels of lead in residents’ bloodstreams, significantly surpassing the World Health Organization’s threshold for clinical interventions.
In response to these egregious violations, the collective of Vindoulou residents has taken legal action, filing a complaint in June 2023 to suspend and relocate the factory, seeking reparations for the harm caused. It is imperative that the Congolese authorities conduct a comprehensive investigation into this case and, if the results confirm the negative impact on human rights, take immediate remedial action for the residents of Vindoulou. This includes the urgent relocation of the Metssa Congo recycling factory to an industrial area.
We Right Defenders stand by with the community of Vindolulu and share their grievances. We demand from Congolese authorities to take necessary steps to protect their wellbeing and environmental rights in line with national and international law and standards. Any immediate action to remedy any identified harms, including reparations for residents and the relocation of the factory, is crucial to rectify the grave violations and safeguard the rights and health of the affected individuals.
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