Danger! Zambia issues health alert over consuming fish from Kafue River, Mwambashi stream, others

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued an alert advising people against consuming fish from the Kafue River, Mwambashi Stream and other polluted streams.

Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Benny Munyama said severe water pollution in the Mwambashi Stream and Kafue River, on the Copperbelt had been confirmed, leading to mass fish deaths and posing serious risks to human and animal health.

In as statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Munyama stated that preliminary assessments indicate dangerously low pH levels, with water samples from Kafue Bridge, in Kitwe, registering a pH of 3, confirming high acidity.

He called on the public not to consume fish from the Kafue River and other polluted streams, as the contamination involves acidic effluents with heavy metal content, making the fish unsafe for human consumption.

“A team from the National Aquaculture Research and Development Center under the Ministry is currently conducting further assessments along the water bodies to determine the full extent of the impact,” Munyama said.

Read More: Public institutions in Kitwe, Kalulushi, Chiambishi temporarily shutdown due to water contamination

Additionally, a Public Health team had collected water and fish samples for further analysis and the Ministry was also assessing farms along the contaminated water bodies to determine the potential effect of the pollution on the fish and livestock.

He stated the Government understood the gravity of this situation and assured the public that the health and safety of citizens remained a priority.

“As a ministry, we urge residents in the affected areas along the water bodies to take precaution when buying and consuming fish and livestock products,” Munyama said.

He advised the public to ensure that fish for consumption was purchased from reputable retail outlets and continue to report any suspicious fish deaths or livestock illnesses to local authorities.

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.