In Benin, trucks blamed for polluting the country’s cities
With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
Heavy goods vehicles are very numerous and visible in Cotonou and its surroundings. They transport sand, gravel, cargo containers, fuel, etc. Pollution with serious consequences on the environment and health that several environmental activists denounce.
No need for measuring tools to conclude that the trucks circulating in Benin are very far from anti-pollution standards. The heavy-duty fleet includes old trucks, several decades old, with engines running out of steam. Their exhaust pipes release a thick cloud of black smoke with each throttle application. When they are stopped at the intersection, the motorcycles move away, some users wear masks to protect themselves. They are the unloved of traffic, they pollute but they are also criticized for overloading and dangerous driving.
For Myriam, environmental activist, trucks are polluters that poison: “ they have direct consequences on our health, namely respiratory problems and allergies. We must raise awareness of the consequences of truck pollution and encourage policies aimed at reducing this negative impact. »
In the framework law on the environment, there is the polluter pays principle. The police repress but not always. The government in its finance law exempts the purchase of new vehicles from customs taxes and VAT.