EXPERTS FROM ECOWAS INSTRUCTED ON THE MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS IN ABIDJAN PORT

Autres Friday 28 April 2023

The issue of the management of chemicals and dangerous wastes is a major challenge for the development of the West -African sub regional countries. It is within this framework that a meeting of representatives of the members states of Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) took place from 14 to 16 March 2023 in Abidjan.

On the margins of the discussion, a delegation of ECOWAS experts led by Mr KOFFI Yao Bernard, Head of the Environment and Climate Department of this Sub-regional institution held a working session at Abidjan Port Authority on 16 March 2023.The exchanges dealt with the approach taken by the Institution in terms of management of chemicals and dangerous wastes on the Abidjan Port platform. The ECOWAS experts have drawn on the experience of the Abidjan Port Authority so as to improve the practices of West African States which are often faced with transfer of wastes.

On behalf of the Managing Director of Abidjan Port Authority (PAA) Colonel COFFI Yao Emmanuel, Harbour Master of Abidjan Port receiving the delegation, first of well welcomed the initiative of the work meeting which enables PAA to share its know-how in the management of wastes and chemicals. The procedures of the Abidjan Port in this regard are in accordance with the International requirements and standards in compliance with IMDG code (International Maritime Code for Dangerous Goods). Moreover, He indicated that in Abidjan Port any classified dangerous good must have its sample submitted for analysis by the relevant public services, before granting the berthing authorisation to the ship. Therefore, all the companies operating on the port platform are submitted to an environmental impact assessment on a regular basin.

Commander COFFI Emmanuel concluded his talk by a presentation of the implementation procedure of the waste processing in Abidjan port. Thereafter fruitful exchanges took place and were followed by a touring by the ECOWAS delegation of the Abidjan Port’s infrastructure with an emphasis on the provision for the processing and management of dangerous goods.

Its is worth recalling that Abidjan Port is certified ISO14001/2015 by AFAQ AFNOR.

This recognition confirms its commitment for the preservation of a sustainable environment.