First batch of toxic waste dumped in Cote d'Ivoire shipped to France

Over 3,500 tons of toxic waste dumped by a Dutch-chartered tanker in Cote d'Ivoire's commercial capital Abidjan in August were shipped to France midnight Friday, a government statement said on Saturday.

The waste, loaded in 141 sealed containers, was put on a French ship and will be transported to the northeastern French port of Le Havre, the statement said.

The French government has promised that the waste will be neutralized by a laboratory specialized in decontaminating toxic waste.

A tanker chartered by Dutch company Trafigura unloaded hundreds of tons of waste containing hydrogen sulphide in densely populated areas in Abidjan on Aug. 19-20.

Cote d'Ivoire's health authorities said 10 people were killed by the waste and more than 100,000 received medical treatment for breathing problems and other symptoms

The rest of the toxic waste dumped in Abidjan will be cleaned up and shipped away as soon as possible, the government statement said.

Cote d'Ivoire's government has been conducting investigation to find out who is responsible for the crisis.

Several local officials involved in the scandal have been sacked and two French executives of Trafigura have been arrested. All have been charged with violating toxic waste disposal laws, according to justice authorities.

Source: Xinhua