Zambia Community Development Program Initiative (ZDPI) has called on the government to protect the source of the Zambezi river against any mining activities.
ZDPI Managing Director, Hendrix Nyambe, has implored the government to scrutinize Anglo Americans, which has been given a liscense to explore for copper in Mwinilunga, the source of the Zambezi river.
“Check if this company is clean with its dealings, this is the same company that was taken to court for polluting Kabwe town, and they have not done anything to help the affected people in the country,” said Nyambe.
He added that Anglo Americans has a poor record with Zambians and the government must reconsider the exploring license that has been given to them.
Mr. Nyambe stressed that the government should not prioritize making money at the expense of the health of its people and the environment.
“North Western Province specifically Mwinilunga is where the source of the mighty Zambezi river is and mining in this area may negatively affect the water body, thereby affecting the ecosystem,” he said.
Edward Simukonda, a mining expert, echoed Nyambe’s sentiments, stating that the source of the Zambezi river needs to be protected at any cost because it contributes to the ecosystem and other sectors.
He added that Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) should investigate any mining projects in Mwinilunga and bring them to a stop.
“Exploration licenses are just okay, but if these companies have mining licenses, then there is a big problem,” said Mr.Simukonda.
He argued the government to ensure that any foreign firm that comes into the country adheres to the stipulated rules and regulations of the nation.
Anglo Americans has previously been accused of polluting Kabwe town, and ZDPI is concerned that the company could have the same impact on Mwinilunga and the Zambezi river, which will have devastating effects on the environment.