The Zambian government has categorically dismissed claims of severe pollution in the Copperbelt mining area, following a health alert issued by the US embassy. The alert, released on Wednesday, called for the withdrawal of US personnel from Kitwe and surrounding regions due to reported "widespread contamination of water and soil" linked to a spill at the Sino-Metals mine earlier this year. The toxic spill occurred when a tailings dam collapsed into the Kafue River, a critical drinking water source, after heavy rainfall.
The US embassy indicated that recent information suggested the presence of hazardous substances, raising alarms regarding potential airborne contaminants posing health risks. In response, Zambian government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa stated that laboratory tests indicated that pH levels in the area have returned to normal, thereby asserting that the water is safe for consumption. Mweetwa emphasized a lack of serious public health implications, urging against panic.
Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, the mining company involved, is a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group. Following the spill, Sino-Metals had committed to compensating affected communities and restoring the environment. The negative effects of the spill extended to aquatic life and local farmers dependent on the Kafue River for irrigation.
Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha assured that the government has taken proactive measures since February, including continual public updates and compensation for affected communities. Minister of Water Development Collins Nzovu reported that regular water testing meets World Health Organization standards.
Opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba criticized the timing of the US alert, suggesting it was politically motivated. He questioned why the embassy waited until now to act when concerns regarding lead poisoning in central Zambia, linked to foreign mining operations, had previously gone unaddressed.
Additionally, environmental advocate Maggie Mapalo Mwape called for urgent action to manage the ecological consequences of the spill and the protection of citizen rights. She described the pollution as a national crisis that requires immediate governmental attention to safeguard the wellbeing of Zambians.
