The Zambian government has officially refuted the United States embassy's recent health alert stemming from a toxic spill at the Sino-Metals mine, emphasizing that water and soil quality has returned to safe levels.
On Wednesday, the U.S. embassy expressed concerns, warning its personnel to evacuate Kitwe and surrounding areas due to fears of "widespread contamination" after a tailings dam collapse at the mine released hazardous waste into the Kafue River in February. The embassy noted that contaminants could pose a health risk through soil, water, and even airborne exposure.
However, Cornelius Mweetwa, Zambia's government spokesperson, responded vehemently, asserting that laboratory tests indicate levels of harmful substances have normalized. "There is no need to panic or alarm the public," he stated, insisting that public health, agriculture, and the environment are no longer in jeopardy.
Sino-Metals, a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, is responsible for the site of the spill. The company had promised compensation to affected communities and restoration efforts following the environmental disaster that also disrupted local agriculture and aquatic life.
During a government briefing, Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha highlighted ongoing monitoring since the incident, asserting that water quality has consistently met World Health Organization standards. Additionally, Minister of Water Development Collins Nzovu confirmed continued testing and reassured the public regarding water safety.
Opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba criticized the timing of the U.S. embassy's alert, questioning the geopolitical motivations behind it. He also pointed to historical lead poisoning incidents in central Zambia that have not garnered the same attention.
Environmental advocate Maggie Mapalo Mwape, executive director of the Centre for Environment Justice, labeled the contamination a national disaster, urging immediate and decisive actions to mitigate impact and prevent future incidents, underlining the need for safeguarding the rights and health of Zambian citizens.
Zambia faces ongoing challenges related to mining pollution, demanding vigilance and accountability from both local actors and international partners.
On Wednesday, the U.S. embassy expressed concerns, warning its personnel to evacuate Kitwe and surrounding areas due to fears of "widespread contamination" after a tailings dam collapse at the mine released hazardous waste into the Kafue River in February. The embassy noted that contaminants could pose a health risk through soil, water, and even airborne exposure.
However, Cornelius Mweetwa, Zambia's government spokesperson, responded vehemently, asserting that laboratory tests indicate levels of harmful substances have normalized. "There is no need to panic or alarm the public," he stated, insisting that public health, agriculture, and the environment are no longer in jeopardy.
Sino-Metals, a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, is responsible for the site of the spill. The company had promised compensation to affected communities and restoration efforts following the environmental disaster that also disrupted local agriculture and aquatic life.
During a government briefing, Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha highlighted ongoing monitoring since the incident, asserting that water quality has consistently met World Health Organization standards. Additionally, Minister of Water Development Collins Nzovu confirmed continued testing and reassured the public regarding water safety.
Opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba criticized the timing of the U.S. embassy's alert, questioning the geopolitical motivations behind it. He also pointed to historical lead poisoning incidents in central Zambia that have not garnered the same attention.
Environmental advocate Maggie Mapalo Mwape, executive director of the Centre for Environment Justice, labeled the contamination a national disaster, urging immediate and decisive actions to mitigate impact and prevent future incidents, underlining the need for safeguarding the rights and health of Zambian citizens.
Zambia faces ongoing challenges related to mining pollution, demanding vigilance and accountability from both local actors and international partners.
