“We want the world to come to us, but we want fair deals” Continues Dr. Tayseer Mustafa – Part-2

Alaa Babiker

In Part-1 of our interview with Dr. Tayseer Mustafa HERE, she mentioned the main simple reasons for uneducated girls: (Sanitary Pads and Hygiene, and poverty; for which parents are forced to marry their daughters at younger ages preventing them from going to school, leading to under age marriage and High Rates of Maternal Mortality). The problems of Al-Buhaira region continue to be under more focus, as we continue to publish the final part of our interesting interview with Dr. Tayseer Mustafa, a Consultant Physician in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Q2-Con.: What are your recent projects (at Al-Buhaira region)?

A2-Con.: Sadly, people lack proper homes, instead they share the environment with the scorpions. People’s livelihood is compromised (farms have been submerged by the water of Meroë Dam, no connectivity, and no roads). Children die of scorpion stings, and drown when commuting to schools due to lack of appropriate planning of projects. These are the reasons that make me more motivated to advocate for these people.

The nature of the complexities are man-made environmental factors, lack of environmental and social impact studies, the gold mining practices, lack of comprehensive governance for activities in the area, lack of health care, knowledge, and education, poverty and cultural factors, and lack of a vision, strategy, planning, and execution.

The solutions to the problems of Al-Buhaira region are divided into the following:-

Immediate ‘Action’: bringing the issue to the attention of international organizations in Sudan and abroad. Regarding this, I faced difficulties because if the project is not among the specific organization’s agenda it will be difficult to implement. Also utilizing aid in different ways is always good to consider, so, I reached out to ambassadors, specifically the Health Advisor of US Aid at the US embassy, who arranged a meeting with us to come up with common ground solutions. Therefore, we have an amazing opportunity to engage with the rest of the world and create People to People diplomacy.

Urgent ‘Action’: Risk assessment for various hazards impact; government support by completion of environmental and social impact assessment of the Meroë Dam and gold mining ‘is needed’ combined with the professional survey of the livelihood aspects of the area (Health, Food Security, Education, Clean Water).

Short-terms solutions: Providing safer homes, even if temporarily ones through Aid Agencies. And changing the roofs of the existing homes (which are made of wooden beams and straw where scorpions prefer to live in) to animal skin or other materials. And introducing plants and animals at home that eliminate the presence of scorpions (Swans, and Lavender Trees).

Medium-term solutions: larger off grid solar lights, building of electricity network, providing plants and seeds for sustainable agricultural projects, and developing health care units and providing ambulances.

Ultimate ideal long-term solution for this area: Through using the wealth that is found at this area; by utilizing Gold as a guarantee for all financing, therefore many investors will be interested.

After 6 months to 2 years of the implementation of this project. It will minimize the scorpion’s stings to at least reasonable levels, and will improve the livelihood of the population in a sustainable environmentally friendly way.

One of my interests is the Ethiopian Dam; I collaborate with important figures to save people from the consequences of the Dam (like the Head of the Rockeefeller foundation based in Kenya, and many commissioners of the UN. ‘I also made’ contact with the UN disaster management in my capacity as  the Director of Safety in the Occupational Health regarding the Risks resulting from the Dam on People of Sudan. In simple terms, the gateways of Ethiopian Dam can give about 2 Billion cubic meters of water, and for example during heavy rainy seasons  Sudan may receive a sudden 2 Billion cubic meters, are we prepared to receive this amount of water safely without affecting the people? do we have any emergency plans?

Q3: Do you have any Recommendations for Youth, Government, and the international Aid organizations?

A3: We are very proud of our youth. They are the backbone of this country, the majority and the doers, because the future is theirs, however; we need to be very careful to how to address our issues, there has to be mentors for ‘youth’. They should never get discouraged. They have to understand the mentality of the older generation, and take on different paths, build on the positives and believe in themselves.

My advice for the older generation: Don’t be frightened of change, live the life of today, be open minded, and don’t confine yourself in a limited space, come out of the box and you will do great things.

To the politicians I always say: As Sudanese we are very good at raising girls, women form 50% of society and we raise the other 50%, if we are not treated equally in the job market we are going to fail. Unless girls have at least 50/50 of all jobs we shouldn’t expect any changes.

For the government: To those who had been in power for 30 years you should get a back seat, because you have had a chance. Any government should Involve more women. Stay away from hate and focus on what will bring us together.

For the International Aid groups: Please engage with people in different parts of the country. The whole of Sudan lives in poverty not only one part. Make good surveys. Be creative in providing aid and development. Don’t give us a fish, teach us how to fish. And listen more to youth and ladies.

Sudan is an amazing country, we are unique and kind people. We are the real gate to Africa, our country is full of resources and opportunities, we want the world to come to us but we want fair deals, agreements, and win-win scenarios.

In conclusion, you can watch the video of Dr. Tayseer Mustafa at our Youtube Channel HERE.