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

Operations at public institutions in Kitwe, Kalulushi, and Chambishi have been temporarily halted due to water supply disruptions caused by contamination of the Kafue River, reportedly linked to Sino Metals’ operations.

On Friday, school authorities were seen sending children home as the water situation worsened.

The judiciary also announced the temporary closure of court operations until Monday, February 24, as they monitor the water issue.

In a notice, Kitwe High Court Registrar Chongo Musonda confirmed the closure, which affects court premises across Kitwe, Kalulushi, and Chiambishi districts.

“We hope the water disruption will be resolved by Monday,” Musonda said.

The contamination followed the failure of Sino Metals’ tailings dam, which has led to pollutants affecting the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers, according to the Kitwe City Council.

Read more :nkana-water-suspends-supplies-to-kitwe-over-suspected-contamination-of-kafue-river

While not directly responsible for managing the incident, the Council has expressed concern about potential public health risks and is closely monitoring the situation.

Kitwe Public Relations Manager Mwaka Nakweti emphasized the importance of caution, advising residents against purchasing fish from informal street vendors that may have been sourced from contaminated waters.

The Council also conducted a police operation at Mufuchani Bridge, confiscating fish suspected of coming from affected areas.

“Consuming contaminated fish can pose serious health risks, and we urge the public to remain cautious,” Nakweti warned.

On Thursday, Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSSC) 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.

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