IRAQ: Insecurity and lack of funds prevent cleansing of polluted sites

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD, 19 April 2007 (IRIN) - BAGHDAD, 19 April 2007 (IRIN) - There are up to 400 polluted sites in Iraq that are serious health hazards to the population and urgently need to be cleaned, according to a specialist in the Iraqi government. But ongoing violence, particularly the targeting of municipal workers, and a lack of funds is hampering clean-up efforts.

"The situation is very serious. These sites have to be cleaned as soon as possible to guarantee that the Iraqi people don't face health hazards because of them," said Fua'ad Abdel-Sattar, an environmental researcher at the Ministry of the Environment, adding that his ministry does not have the money or manpower to undertake the task.

As most of these sites contain hazardous chemical materials, including depleted uranium, and are near communities, there is a risk of an outbreak of diseases, he said.

Polluted sites are not the only threat to the health of the population.

"In addition to hundreds of polluted sites, we also have high pollution in our rivers, lakes and potable water systems. But with electricity shortages in most key areas, it is impossible to pump out dirty water and treat these systems," Abdel-Sattar said.

more:http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/fbd85aa4e011cfe0cfd2dbd6ed2bedcb.htm