The Pollution Peril of the Niger River

Sidy Ba

Description

This book examined the different types of pollution of the Niger River, as well as their consequences, known and visible, subtler and more unsuspected, but all as perilous. This book on the pollution peril brings scientific clarifications on the mechanisms of contamination of various types of pollutants and their impact on animal and plant species. The author proposes some possible solutions to prevent, limit and reduce the growing pollution of the Niger River.

Sujets

• Sciences et techniques
• Écologie
• Nature
• Environnement

Informations

• Publié par: L'Harmattan
• Date de parution: 14 mars 2019
• Nombre de lectures: 1
• EAN13: 9782336867403
• Langue: Français
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 2 Mo

Extrait

Cover
Backcover
Collection « Études africaines »
Collection « Études africaines » dirigée par Denis Pryen et son équipe
Forte de plus de mille titres publiés à ce jour, la collection « Études africaines » fait peau neuve. Elle présentera toujours les essais généraux qui ont fait son succès, mais se déclinera désormais également par séries thématiques : droit, économie, politique, sociologie, etc.
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Title

Sidy B A








The Pollution Peril of the Niger River
Copyright



























© L’Harmattan, 2019 5-7, rue de l’Ecole-Polytechnique, 75005 Paris
http://www.editions-harmattan.fr
EAN Epub : 978-2-33-686740-3
DEDICATION
I dedicate this book to my dear mother, Inna-Sory Sidy Mamadou (Fatoumata SALL), called by the Lord to eternal rest in 2016. All mothers are special and Inna-Sory was exceptional and always equal to herself, even in the face of the most daunting ordeals of life. She treated other people’s children as her own children. She really was a good person.
This book gives me the opportunity to pay a special tribute to my dear uncle, the late Professor Bocar SALL, a good man, generous and of great wisdom.
Last but not least, my deepest thoughts to my dear father, the late Hassane BA.
Rest in peace dear parents !
PREFACE
In his book, the author addresses a particularly vital subject for West Africa in general and particularly for Mali, where more than 80 % of the population live directly or indirectly from the resources of the Niger River. By the light that it shines on the different factors of pollution, the work constitutes a good reference, able to improve the knowledge on this nourishing sap that is the Niger River.
The first merit of Dr. Ba’s book is to allow readers, through a simple style, therefore accessible to the greatest number, to discover the Niger River in its 4200 km long route. Indeed, the author first of all makes a detailed and precise hydrographic description, before carrying out an analysis, a diagnosis, no less detailed and precise of “The pollution peril of the Niger River”. Finally, he proposes some lines of thought aimed at reducing the pollution of the river and limiting its consequences.
It is therefore urgent that all the countries of the Niger Basin act together, and consistently, to face the danger posed by the pollution of the waters of this river on which depends the survival of many populations. Certainly, the Niger Basin Authority, by the very fact of the cross-border nature of the river, is a decisive tool of management. However, it must be recognized that most of the problems that threaten the very existence of the river, including pollution, are local. It is to say that the resolution of these problems can, in any case largely, only be local.
The topic covered in the book is certainly one of the most pressing issues of the day for many of the basin countries. Given the place occupied by the Niger River in the socio-economic life of these countries, it raises a question of survival.
Given our current use of the river and its resources, it also poses a problem of sustainable development. The question is, in what state are we going to pass it on to future generations ?
Finally, this book challenges us on a major issue facing our generation : that of safeguarding the Niger River and its resources. It is in this respect that the initiative taken by Mali in 2002 to dedicate an Agency for the Safeguarding of the Niger River : the Niger River Basin Agency (ABFN by French acronym), should serve as an example.
This book ends with reflections on the way forward to combat the pollution of the river’s waters. The information it provides can provide a solid basis for discussions between managers and resource users of the Niger River Basin, with a view to sustainable development. I am sure that many of you will find this book useful for preparing action plans, training, awareness and education materials. I hope it will be an inspiration to all his readers and encourage them to become more involved in protecting the Niger River and its resources.
Abdourahamane Oumarou TOURE Knight of the National Order Director General of the ABFN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER
BACKCOVER
COLLECTION « ÉTUDES AFRICAINES »
TITLE
COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
PREFACE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I : Overview of the Niger River and its Basin
CHAPTER II : Environmental wealth and Economic potential
CHAPTER III : Population and Demographic pressure
CHAPTER IV : Domestic pollution and its consequences
CHAPTER V : Impact of Industrial and Artisanal sectors
CHAPTER VI : Consequences of Mining
CHAPTER VII : Footprints of farming, pastoralism and fishing
CHAPTER VIII : Effects of deforestation
EPILOGUE
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
ADRESSE
FOREWORD
On this day of July 2014, it was about 11am, and the sun shone brightly on Bamako, a sign that the yellow dwarf star of the Milky Way was already on top of the hoods of a long line of vehicles, advancing in chameleon step at the beginning of the Fahd Bridge.
In this chaotic traffic where horns noises and posturing frustrations fuse everywhere, it is always better to keep one’s windows closed and run the risk of choking his engine by the air conditioning of the vehicle and the incessant succession of acceleration and braking. Because we are at least sure to protect ourselves from the deafening noises of the roaring due to this interminable traffic jam, the stifling heat of the cocktail of humidity and the exhaust fumes from old vehicles. As I had just started crossing the bridge, finally relieved to be free from the trap of traffic, I decided to lower my windows to enjoy the natural fresh air offered by the gentle caress of the cool breeze coming from the Niger River. These short moments of relieve that last only a few minutes relax one from the stressful traffic of Bamako. But there are often moments of pleasure that turn to bitterness. My windows down, I take a look at the water intake of the drinking water treatment plant in the district of Djicoroni-Para I use as a benchmark of the water level of the river. In my field of vision, I suddenly saw the distressing spectacle of a large garbage dump, some of whose objects were already floating under the pressure of the water, waiting to be swallowed by the rising floods of the Niger. My adrenaline level suddenly went up. I felt a sensation of hair bristling all over my body. Goosebumps had just supplanted the gentle caresses of the river breeze. Then began to play in my thoughts the question : “but how is this possible ?” A garbage dump in the river bed, at the bottom of the Fahd Bridge connecting to a route taken by all the leaders of the country ! But how is this possible ? Something certainly escapes me to comprehend what happens there. During all of my time downtown, questions invaded my thoughts. I finally decided to find out more about this waste dump in the river bed.
On my way back home, shortly before the start of the gigantic evening jams, I crossed the Fahd Bridge again, my gaze sometimes focused on my way, sometimes turned towards this wild dump of filth.
When I got off the bridge, I took a U-turn to take the ramp separating the Torokorobougou neighborhood and the bridge to go to this dump. Arrived near the river, I go down and walk nonchalantly towards the shore. Incredulous before what I see in my own eyes ! The waste dump is already completely surrounded by water ! At the edge of the water, I see strands of greyish scum, in the midst of a foul stench diffused by the