More than a month after a violent chemical explosion in the Ayélawadjè1 district of Cotonou, Beninese authorities have authorised the return of evacuated residents, despite restrictions on water consumption and food supplies.
Evacuated residents from Ayélawadjè1, located in Cotonou’s third district are being allowed back starting Sunday, February 16, 2025, according to a statement from Benin’s Minister of the Interior, Alassane Seidou.
This decision comes over a month after a powerful explosion occurred on January 11 at around 2 p.m., prompting the evacuation of residents due to the risk of contamination. An interministerial committee, established in the aftermath of the incident, oversaw the decontamination efforts.
“Significant quantities of chemical substances and waste have been cleared from the site, and soil stripping and cleaning operations have been carried out,” the statement read.
The authorities have nonetheless issued strict guidelines for returning residents. The consumption of well water within the restricted area remains strictly prohibited. The ministry has also advised against consuming foodstuffs and other perishable goods left exposed in homes since the explosion.
The response operation involved units from the Beninese Civil Protection Agency (ABPC) and experts from the Ministry of Living Environment.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA