In Abu Hamad, alongside the Nile, there were once lush gardens and extensive fields that produced abundant crops including dates, citrus fruits, and winter grains for the eastern cities of Sudan, including Khartoum and Port Sudan. But today, these lands have changed dramatically.
Destruction of Fertile Lands
Trees have been cut down, agricultural lands cleared, and farms have given way to shops and commercial spaces. In the meantime, more than 700 gray waste piles have emerged as toxic remnants of gold mining around this city and its suburbs, seriously polluting the soil, water, and air.
Gold mining has unofficially begun since around 2008 and has significantly increased over the past six years. These activities have not only led to environmental destruction but have also turned into a public health crisis. Toxic chemicals from this mining have gradually infiltrated groundwater, posing a serious threat to public health.
Social and Economic Impacts
Local residents, due to poverty and lack of job opportunities, have turned to this mining. However, the reality is that this job not only fails to provide job security but also makes life harder for people due to the resulting pollution. Currently, the residents of Abu Hamad are facing serious challenges; from health issues to lack of food and agricultural resources.
It seems that Nile Gold is not only a blessing but rather a great curse for the people of Sudan. If this trend continues, a dark future awaits the agriculture and public health of this region.
