The US embassy's urgent health alert prompted the withdrawal of personnel from Kitwe due to fears of widespread contamination linked to a February toxic spill at the Sino-Metals mine. The spill occurred after a tailings dam broke, releasing hazardous waste into the Kafue River—an essential drinking water source—after heavy rains. The embassy reported new findings of serious carcinogenic substances in the area, raising alarms about potential airborne contaminants.
In response, Zambian government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa claimed that laboratory results show the water is now safe for consumption and that there are no ongoing public health threats associated with this incident. He emphasized that there was no justification for panic among the populace or the international community.
Sino-Metals, a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, pledged to compensate affected communities at the time of the spill, which harmed local aquatic life and agricultural practices that rely on the Kafue River.
Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha assured that the government has actively engaged with the situation since February and has been transparent with the public about ongoing water tests, which reportedly meet World Health Organization standards.
However, criticism emerged from opposition figures, such as Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba, who questioned the timing of the US warning and highlighted other significant environmental issues in Zambia, including long-standing lead poisoning linked to foreign mining operations.
Maggie Mapalo Mwape of the Centre for Environment Justice described the spill as a national disaster, emphasizing the need for urgent action to manage the fallout and protect citizen welfare going forward.
In response, Zambian government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa claimed that laboratory results show the water is now safe for consumption and that there are no ongoing public health threats associated with this incident. He emphasized that there was no justification for panic among the populace or the international community.
Sino-Metals, a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, pledged to compensate affected communities at the time of the spill, which harmed local aquatic life and agricultural practices that rely on the Kafue River.
Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha assured that the government has actively engaged with the situation since February and has been transparent with the public about ongoing water tests, which reportedly meet World Health Organization standards.
However, criticism emerged from opposition figures, such as Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba, who questioned the timing of the US warning and highlighted other significant environmental issues in Zambia, including long-standing lead poisoning linked to foreign mining operations.
Maggie Mapalo Mwape of the Centre for Environment Justice described the spill as a national disaster, emphasizing the need for urgent action to manage the fallout and protect citizen welfare going forward.
