General Strike in Om Laarayes Highlights Urgent Infrastructure Needs

A general strike in Om Laarayes, Tunisia, brought schools and businesses to a halt, protesting against deteriorating infrastructure following a tragic bus accident. The URT labor union has called for improvements to local healthcare and infrastructure, highlighting the neglect faced by the town despite its phosphate wealth. Many regions like Om Laarayes continue to confront social and economic hardships, prompting demands for better living conditions.

TUNIS: In a significant response to ongoing infrastructural neglect, schools and businesses in Om Laarayes, a prominent Tunisian mining town, ceased operations on Thursday as part of a general strike. This strike was instigated by the regional URT labor union, a faction of the powerful UGTT trade federation, following a tragic road accident earlier in the week which resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to nine others.

URT’s secretary-general, Mohamed Sghaier Miraoui, highlighted the urgent need for improvements in infrastructure and health care, stating, “All schools, shops, and local institutions have shut down in protest against the deteriorating state of infrastructure.” The strike is not only a reaction to the recent tragedy but also reflects long-standing frustrations among residents regarding deficient public services.

The recent road incident has intensified community outrage towards what they perceive as systemic neglect in their region. Miraoui remarked, “This tragic accident has sparked outrage among residents of our neglected region.” He also emphasized the dire conditions, noting that existing infrastructure is insufficient and the local hospital is ill-equipped to handle emergencies.

Despite being rich in phosphate resources, Om Laarayes, with a population of 40,000, is characterized by underdevelopment. “Our town is a mining city and has natural resources,” said Miraoui. “It should be among the main regions with infrastructure.” This assertion underscores the disparity between resource potential and actual investment in local infrastructure.

Many areas in central Tunisia face significant social and economic challenges, contrasting sharply with the more affluent coastal regions. Since the 2011 revolution that ousted Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, protests for better living conditions and infrastructure improvements have become commonplace in these regions.

Furthermore, residents in the mining hub of Gafsa have been advocating for enhanced infrastructure and job opportunities, particularly by revitalizing phosphate production. Historically, Tunisia produced eight million tons of phosphate in 2010; however, production has halved in recent years due to persistent societal disruptions and a lack of investment. Phosphates, crucial for fertilizers, represent one of Tunisia’s few essential natural resources.

The strike in Om Laarayes highlights the critical issues surrounding infrastructure and public services in Tunisian mining towns. With a significant portion of the populace unrepresented in terms of basic human needs, such as healthcare and transportation, the response from the URT labor union reveals a broader call for developmental equity. As the disparity between wealth from natural resources and community welfare becomes increasingly apparent, the urgent need for change has been reiterated through the recent protests.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com