“Unacceptable”: Catholic Official in Angola Calls for Action against Waste Disposal Near Parish, School

Filipe Augusto also expressed concern about air pollution from burning waste, which he said can have negative effects on the health of residents in the neighborhood. 

“The air pollution and the risk of disease transmission cannot be ignored. The accumulation of waste can lead to unpleasant odours and the spread of bacteria and viruses, putting the health of attendees at risk. The odour surrounding us here is nothing positive,” the Catholic Official lamented.

Filipe Augusto went on to describe the scene as a “stark reminder of both environmental and social dangers” and warned of “public health threats and pollution caused by this neglected site.”

He criticized local authorities and questioned the effectiveness of public governance. 

“It’s unclear where the administration stands on this. Whoever authorized this, this is a crime. It’s an assault on human health; not just an assault on health, but a crime against humanity,” Filipe Augusto said.

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“This is not governance; governance means organization,” he said, and called upon the Governor of Luanda, Manoel Homem, to clear the waste and ensure community safety.

To emphasize the gravity of the situation, Filipe Augusto said, “This is a crime against the people who live here. This cannot be ignored.”

He urged the government to prioritize the wellbeing of the community members, and reiterated, “This situation is unacceptable for those attending church and living nearby.”

He also encouraged residents to demand change, saying, “The voice of the community is essential for improving living conditions.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.