Govt expresses deep concern about invasion, blockage of Kafue river channel by weeds

Government says it is worried that the existence of Kafue ecosystem is at risk following the invasion of foreign plant species on the Kafue River.

This came to light during a visit to the Shimungalu Fishing Camp on the banks of the Kafue River in Mazabuka District of Southern Province on Sunday by Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu.

Nzovu said the residents depend on the river system to sustain their livelihood, hence the aquatic weeds and other invasive plant species are threatening their survival.

He noted with concern that some invasive species such as aquatic weeds have blocked about 900 meters of the water system making it hard for them to paddle their boats.

Nzovu said pollution and climate change were threatening the ecosystems in these areas adding that Ecologically Sensitive Areas need to be protected.

Speaking when he visited the Ila National Forest and the “Five Bridges” also known as the Naminwe Bridges, Nzovu said there was need to continue to engage the local community and the traditional leadership to protect the forest area as it is an Ecologically Sensitive Area.

He said the forest is a natural phenomenon that needs to be protected because it protects the water system by storing the water and if the forest is degraded or depleted of trees, the water will reach and flood most of the houses in the surrounding areas.

“This forest prevents Namwala from flooding as Namwala CBD is surrounded by plains and that is why the it is very important,” he said.

Nzovu has since commended the local forestry officers in Namwala for ensuring that the communities were sensitised on the importance of the forest as there was no encroachment in the forest.

He said the sensitisation done in Namwala should be reciprocated on the other side of the forest in Itezhi-tezhi where the forest has been encroached.

Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Principal Inspector Natural Resources, Rodwell Chandipo, said the government has identified the challenge of the Kafue Ecological System and promised to work with the relevant institutions to address the issue.

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