A general strike occurred in Om Laarayes, Tunisia, resulting in the shutdown of schools and businesses, spurred by inadequate infrastructure and a deadly road accident. The local labor union, URT, demanded improvements in public services. Despite being rich in phosphate resources, the town remains underdeveloped, and residents face ongoing economic hardship compared to wealthier coastal areas.
In Om Laarayes, a significant Tunisian mining town, a general strike was initiated on Thursday, leading to the closure of schools and businesses. This protest arose in response to the town’s deteriorating infrastructure and health services, spurred by a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of six individuals and injured nine others just days prior. The regional labor union, URT, part of the influential UGTT federation, organized this strike, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
The URT secretary-general, Mohamed Sghaier Miraoui, stated, “All schools, shops and local institutions have shut down in protest against the deteriorating state of infrastructure.” Miraoui expressed that the recent deadly incident has fueled anger among residents, who feel neglected due to persistent deficiencies in fundamental public services.
Despite being rich in phosphate resources, Om Laarayes, which houses approximately 40,000 residents, continues to lag in development. “Our town is a mining city and has natural resources; it should be among the main regions with infrastructure,” Miraoui commented. The stark contrast between the inland towns and the more affluent coastal cities highlights the ongoing economic struggles faced by many communities across Tunisia.
Since the 2011 revolution, protests have been prevalent in these areas, seeking improvement in social conditions and economic opportunities. The Gafsa mining region, also plagued by similar issues, has seen residents advocate for enhanced job opportunities and increased phosphate production. Unfortunately, Tunisia’s phosphate output has significantly declined to about half of its 2010 production levels due to inadequate investment and continued unrest.
Phosphates remain one of Tunisia’s limited natural resources and serve as a vital component in fertilizer production, underscoring the necessity for revitalization in the mining sector. The recent strike in Om Laarayes reveals the locals’ desperation for tangible improvements in their living conditions, demanding attention from national authorities to address these long-standing issues.
The strike in Om Laarayes exemplifies the pressing need for infrastructure and healthcare improvements in Tunisia’s inland regions. Residents, outraged by recent tragic events linked to infrastructure inadequacies, are calling for essential reforms. With the mining town’s phosphate wealth going untapped due to underinvestment, the situation highlights broader economic disparities within the country. Continued activism, following the 2011 revolution, signals an enduring demand for progress and equity for underserved communities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
