A tragic incident occurred on October 4, 2026, in Dekadome, a locality in Vo Attivé, Togo, where two children lost their lives by drowning in a water-filled abandoned sand quarry. The quarry was a result of sand exploitation in the area. According to the Mouvement Martin Luther King (MMLK), the children drowned in stagnant water left on the site. The organization described these water-filled excavations as "deadly traps" for local populations, especially children.
The MMLK criticized the lack of safety measures around the quarry, citing excavations abandoned without backfilling, fencing, or warning signs to alert the population to the dangers. The organization attributed the accident to "tolerated anarchy" in the sector. This incident has brought attention back to the issue of sand quarry exploitation in Togo, with the MMLK calling for urgent government action to prevent further accidents.
The MMLK argued that accidents related to abandoned excavations can no longer be considered mere coincidences. The organization pointed out that the proliferation of irregularly exploited sites and the lack of quarry security constitute predictable risks for the population. The MMLK also referenced previous tragedies in exploitation areas, particularly around sites linked to the SNPT and other quarries, to call for strengthened control of the sector.
In response to the tragedy, the MMLK demanded four urgent measures from the government. Firstly, the organization called for the suspension of all sand exploitation activities in the affected locality. Secondly, it recommended a nationwide inventory of sand quarries, focusing on sites exploited without licenses or permits. The MMLK also suggested organizing a national forum for sand exploiters to address sector-wide problems.
The MMLK requested that the government shut down illegally exploited sites in the Vo prefecture and prosecute those responsible. The organization emphasized the need for exploiters to secure and backfill sites after exploitation, and to impose sanctions on operators that fail to meet required safety standards. The MMLK urged the government to take responsibility and take action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The organization expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and reiterated its call for stricter control of the sand quarry sector in Togo. According to the MMLK, the deaths of the two children in Dekadome should serve as a wake-up call for more rigorous government action. The movement appealed to the government to assume its responsibilities fully and prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
The incident highlights the need for improved regulation and enforcement of safety standards in the sand quarry sector in Togo. The government faces pressure to take concrete actions to address the concerns raised by the MMLK and prevent future accidents. The people of Togo, especially those living near sand quarries, look forward to a safer and more secure environment.
Key points
- - Two children died by drowning in an abandoned sand quarry in Dekadome, Togo. - The MMLK demands urgent government action, including suspension of sand exploitation and prosecution of illegal exploiters. - The organization calls for a nationwide inventory of sand quarries and stricter safety regulations.
