Ningbo, population defeat refinery project but still protest: "No confidence in pledge"
Beijing (AsiaNews) - After three days of riots and violent demonstrations, tens of thousands of people returned to the streets this morning to protest against the government of the city of Ningbo, Zhejiang province. The citizens (about 15 thousand) requested and obtained a halt to the expansion plans of Sinopec Zhenhai refinery, considered one of the most polluted districts of the city. Despite government assurances, however, the protests continue: "We do not trust these people, we want to see the bulldozers leave with our own eyes."
The plant is the largest in China. Last month, an additional investment of 55.9 billion yuan (about 6 billion dollars) was allocated for the business expansion. But the local population took to the streets and, according to the South China Morning Post, accused the authorities of hiding important information on the pollution rates of the plant once the extension work has ended.
At first, the local government made official statements that rejected an increase of pollutants, but the people of Ningbo were not convinced. The greatest concern relates to emissions of paraxylene (PX), a very polluting hydrocarbon used in the manufacture of paints and plastics. Inhalation of large amounts causes damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys, increasing the risk of death exponentially. And the annual emissions of the Zhenhai plant are already 500 thousand tons.
About 200 citizens of Zhenhai sent a petition to the district government to ask for the petrochemical plant to be moved. One of the signatories explains: "Since Zhenhai has been transformed into a petrochemical complex in the 70s, there has been an increase in cancer and birth defects. My mother died of cancer and we do not want other cases".
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