Residents of Mitsero protest against new asphalt plant construction

Residents and representatives from eight communities in the Mitsero region have launched a series of peaceful protests following the commencement of construction work for an asphalt plant in their area. The project involves relocating a plant currently based in Tseri due to public health safety concerns, a decision the local community strongly opposes, citing the site's proximity to existing quarries and the already degraded environmental state of the region.

Community leaders argue that state-appointed experts have already confirmed the presence of cumulative environmental nuisances in the area, rendering the addition of another industrial project unacceptable. Despite government commitments to address existing environmental problems, residents claim no significant progress has been made. The communities have pledged to escalate their protest actions and continue their legal challenges against the development, noting that they are currently awaiting an official response from the President of the Republic to determine their next steps in the dispute.