Nkana Water suspends supplies to Kitwe over suspected contamination of Kafue River

Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSSC) has shut down water supply to Kitwe following suspected contamination of the Kafue River, its main water source.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, the company cited concerns over potential pollution and assured residents that water supplied before the shutdown was safe for consumption.

“Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company wishes to inform its esteemed customers in Kitwe that the water supply to the city has been shut down today, February 20, 2025, on suspicion of contamination in the Kafue River, the source of our raw water,” the notice stated.

The company said it was closely monitoring the situation and would provide updates as necessary.

The development followed viral videos circulating since Tuesday, showing apparent contamination in Mwambashi Stream in Kalulushi and flooding of nearby crop fields, allegedly caused by Sino Metals in Chambishi.

NWSSC in a statement apologised for the inconvenience and assured residents that efforts were underway to assess and address the situation.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR