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Stakeholders, among them, Citizens for a Better Environment (CBE) chairperson, Peter Sinkamba, have tasked the government on environmental management, and urged it to revisit the proposed formation of a Kafue River Upper Management Authority to enhance water resource management and combat pollution.
Speaking at an indaba on Kafue River contamination at Garden Court in Kitwe on Tuesday, Sinkamba described the recent pollution incident involving Sino Metals Leach Limited as just the “tip of the iceberg.
“In 1999, there were efforts to establish the Kafue Upper Management Authority to address contamination threats and ensure better water resource management. These efforts should be revived,” he said.
He warned that continued pollution of the Kafue River poses a serious threat to the environment and public health.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt University (CBU) Vice-Chancellor Nyambe Imasiku proposed the establishment of a centre of excellence at the Kitwe Main Campus to study Kafue River pollution.
“There is a need for a comprehensive study on the impact of Kafue River contamination. A dedicated research centre would help develop solutions to mitigate pollution effects,” Imasiku stated.
Copperbelt Minister, Elias Matambo, expressed government concern over the acid spillage into the river, calling for urgent remedial measures.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, added that the government was strengthening oversight institutions to hold mining companies accountable for environmental violations.
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, the mining sector, civil society organizations, and academia to discuss measures to mitigate Kafue River contamination.
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