Sudan's Pesticide Graveyard

The Hassahisa store. Photo: SDA

Storage and disposal of obsolete pesticides is a major problem in developing countries, and an indication of over-supply, unwanted donations, and the lack of systems for ordering desired quantities and using pesticides in order of purchase.  A store in Hassahisa, Sudan, is termed by the Sudan Development Association (SDA), a local NGO, as a pesticide graveyard (See PN 14, p.3). The store comprises two open sheds with a dirt floor, and used to be the centre of reception and distribution of chemicals for the Gezira Scheme. It is not designed for prolonged storage. About 500 tons of pesticides which became obsolete in the early eighties are now lying in rusting and breaking containers.  Residents have complained since the mid-eighties of the strong smell, and have experienced increases in allergies, loss of appetite and illness.  Animals have died from drinking contaminated water.
    The situation was complicated by three large pits which were dug by the Gezira Board as a dump for obsolete stocks of DDT, TOK and other chemicals, which has left soil highly contaminated.
    Local people, pesticide experts and environmental groups are very concerned and want quick short-term action to contain the problem. Meetings between local people and the authorities in 1990 led to agreement to take action, but this has still not been realised. However a new action plan has been agreed, which the SDA believes could provide an effective model for other pesticide stores.

SDA Report to Oxfam, December 1993.

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 24, June 1994, page 14]