Kima Chemical Industries Denies Responsibility for Aswan Water Contamination Amid Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak
Kima affirms compliance with environmental regulations as authorities investigate cause of illnesses in Aswan
Cairo, Egypt — Kima Chemical Industries Company on Sunday refuted allegations linking its operations to the contamination of drinking water in Aswan, following a surge in cases of gastrointestinal illnesses reported in the governorate.
In an official statement released to the Egyptian Exchange, Kima emphasized that it has no connection to the ongoing events in Aswan related to water pollution and the reported infections. The company stated that it operates under strict supervision from environmental and occupational health regulatory bodies.
“Kima is committed to adhering to all necessary programs for industrial wastewater treatment,” the statement read. “Our wastewater is directed to the Al-Alaqi sewage treatment plant, which is managed by the Aswan Drinking Water and Sewage Company.”
The company’s response comes after widespread speculation on social media platforms suggested that emissions or discharges from Kima’s factories could be responsible for the recent outbreak of intestinal illnesses in the region.
Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Health, addressed the situation on Saturday, noting that initial tests conducted on water stations and household supplies in Aswan revealed no bacterial contamination or microbiological changes.
“An increase in the number of patients presenting with symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting has been observed in hospitals across Aswan in recent days,” Abdel Ghaffar said. “There is a directive from the Prime Minister for all relevant state agencies to collaborate in identifying the primary source of these symptoms and to provide necessary support to those affected.”
Abdel Ghaffar reported an improvement in the situation, with the number of patients requiring hospitalization decreasing from 63 to 25 cases.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health dispatched a team from the Preventive Medicine Sector, led by Deputy Minister Amr Kandil, to investigate the matter through a three-pronged approach:
- Water Safety Assurance: Collecting and analyzing samples from drinking water sources to ensure their safety.
- Medical Support and Monitoring: Visiting hospitals to assess patient intake levels and verify that individuals are receiving appropriate treatment.
- Food Safety Inspections: Inspecting street vendors and food establishments, recognizing that gastrointestinal symptoms are often transmitted through contaminated food and water.
The health ministry urged the public to rely on official statements and to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.
As investigations continue, residents are advised to practice good hygiene, ensure the consumption of safe drinking water, and report any symptoms to local health facilities promptly.
