A visit to Mabunda's polluted beach. By Sofonie Dala, Angola

Mabunda beach needs a sanitary study

A landscape where health risks stand out

The water of  Mabunda beach (Praia da Mabunda), in the bay of Corimba in Luanda, needs to be studied to determine its salubrity. Due to the cholera outbreak in the area, it is necessary to study whether the perimeter (land and water) is free of any pathogenic microorganism, mainly the cholera vibrio.

The amount of rubbish on Mabunda beach, starting with the drainage "mouth of the ditch" that leads to the sea, is an example of an undeclared environmental disaster.

Local communities and people who go to the beach area to buy fish do not need to experience that total filth around the market and the beach. It is urgent to take measures to alleviate the flow of waste, some of which are extremely dangerous for marine species and for the sea water used by scalers to wash the fish they handle. 

Despite some time ago the health authorities prohibited any commercial fish activity in the place due to that situation, it is believed that the problem has not been solved for the community, since in the place a drainage ditch opens drags wastewater with all kinds of debris from various points in Luanda.

The high level of garbage in Mabunda's drainage ditches, which do not benefit from any treatment, makes the place an ideal spot for the spread of cholera, malaria and other diseases. This situation is made worse by the fact that on the local beach there are deactivated boats, which serve as a home for some fishermen who defecate in the open air.

As it is a space with a large movement of people, without conditions for defecation, it forces the population to do their needs outdoors, which increases the risk of contagion from water and soil.

The situation in Mabunda demonstrates the need for a more active waste management plan in markets and beaches, where there are large piles of garbage with fish guts, cans, plastics, as well as other debris that also damage the soil and pollute the air.

The sale of fish in Mabunda presents an attack on public health: the business takes place among heaps of rubbish

One of the main concerns on this beach is the garbage produced by vendors, which points to one of the best-finished examples of an attack on public health in the country's capital.

"What matters most to many in this market is making a profit", with no respect for hygiene standards.

With the heaps of rubbish spread all over the place, customers feel tempted to give up the purchase, but end up not resisting the prices. They are forced to buy fish under these conditions, because the fish is cheaper here.

Complaints about the lack of hygiene in the area continued, without any kind of improvement being observed. We need to print urgent changes on Mabunda.

 There are no authorities here, each person does what they want. The only concern shown by management is the collection of daily fees.

The behavior of the residents of the Camuximba neighborhood does not help

This disgrace that happens on the beach is also caused by the journey of the residents themselves and the shipowners. We alert shipowners to the need to change their behavior.

To make matters worse, the residents of this neighborhood continue to deposit their garbage in the already cleaned drainage ditches. In the past, the authorities have already started the program of cleaning the ditches. But the irresponsible behavior of the residents increases the chaos of cholera in the neighborhood.

We call for the involvement of the population in the fight against diseases such as cholera and malaria.

Understanding Beach pollution

Beach pollution is any harmful substance that contaminates our coasts, ranging from plastic, trash, and litter to sewage, pesticides, and oil. Excess amounts of natural substances, such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and animal waste, are also pollutants.

One of our greatest natural resources has become a garbage dump—and the results are taking a toll on human and marine health. Understanding the devastating effects of pollution on our beaches is the first step to fixing the problem.

Taking pledge

I pledge to use my own voice to elevate the visibility of the ocean and I call on decision-makers and civil society to prioritize ocean-climate matters in their respective spheres of influence across policy-making, investments, research, education, media coverage, philanthropic support, content creation, technological innovation, and wherever else relevant. 

I pledge to stay informed on ocean-related news to the best of my ability, and to amplify solutions, honor local, traditional, and Indigenous wisdom, share knowledge, and collaborate where I can towards catalyzing positive change.

The Appeal:

 "We recognize the vital importance of the ocean in mitigating the climate crisis and sustaining all life on earth." 

 We must continue on the path of protecting and conserving the environment.