The Zambian government has openly dismissed a health warning issued by the US embassy regarding pollution from a toxic spill in the Copperbelt mining area, emphasizing that tests show water safety has returned to normal levels.
Zambia Refutes US Health Claims Following Controversial Mining Spill
Zambia Refutes US Health Claims Following Controversial Mining Spill
Zambia's government contests the US embassy's health alert, asserting that the water is safe post-toxic spill incident.
The Zambian government has publicly countered claims made by the US embassy regarding severe pollution in the Copperbelt mining region following a toxic spill earlier this year. On Wednesday, the US embassy issued a health alert advising the withdrawal of personnel from Kitwe and surrounding areas, citing widespread contamination linked to a February incident at the Sino-Metals mine, where a tailings dam collapsed into the Kafue River during heavy rain. This river serves as a vital drinking water source for the community.
The embassy's alert warned of hazardous and carcinogenic substances affecting both water and soil, with potential air quality hazards from airborne contaminants. However, Zambian government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa stated that laboratory results confirm that the area's pH levels have normalized, insisting that the water is indeed safe to drink. Mweetwa criticized the embassy's warning, arguing that there’s no need for alarm, stating, "There is, therefore, absolutely no need to press the 'panic button' today."
Sino-Metals Leach Zambia is a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group. Following the spill, the company vowed to compensate affected communities and restore the damaged environment. The incident raised concerns about its negative impact on local agriculture and aquatic life. Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha stated that the Zambian government has been proactive in addressing the situation since the spill, which affected water quality.
Water Development Minister Collins Nzovu assured that continuous water testing has confirmed compliance with World Health Organization standards. However, opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba criticized the timing of the embassy's alert, questioning the delay since February and suggesting a geopolitical motive.
Environmental advocates like Maggie Mapalo Mwape, director of the Centre for Environment Justice, labeled the situation a national disaster requiring urgent action. Mwape emphasized the need for concrete measures to mitigate the disaster's effects and safeguard the health and rights of Zambian citizens.
The embassy's alert warned of hazardous and carcinogenic substances affecting both water and soil, with potential air quality hazards from airborne contaminants. However, Zambian government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa stated that laboratory results confirm that the area's pH levels have normalized, insisting that the water is indeed safe to drink. Mweetwa criticized the embassy's warning, arguing that there’s no need for alarm, stating, "There is, therefore, absolutely no need to press the 'panic button' today."
Sino-Metals Leach Zambia is a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group. Following the spill, the company vowed to compensate affected communities and restore the damaged environment. The incident raised concerns about its negative impact on local agriculture and aquatic life. Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha stated that the Zambian government has been proactive in addressing the situation since the spill, which affected water quality.
Water Development Minister Collins Nzovu assured that continuous water testing has confirmed compliance with World Health Organization standards. However, opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba criticized the timing of the embassy's alert, questioning the delay since February and suggesting a geopolitical motive.
Environmental advocates like Maggie Mapalo Mwape, director of the Centre for Environment Justice, labeled the situation a national disaster requiring urgent action. Mwape emphasized the need for concrete measures to mitigate the disaster's effects and safeguard the health and rights of Zambian citizens.
