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The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has urged the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Ministry of Mines to prioritize transparency and accountability following the recent Sino Metals dam collapse.
AIPAC Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, said it was unacceptable that impact assessment reports were withheld from the public and that affected communities were not warned of potential risks.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Ngoma demanded that ZEMA and the Ministry of Mines immediately investigate the cause of the dam collapse and ensure those responsible were held to account.
He stressed that government must safeguard the rights of affected communities by providing adequate compensation and support for damages suffered.
“The lack of transparency and accountability in this matter is a betrayal to the people of Zambia, who have a right to know the potential impacts of mining on their environment, health, and livelihoods,” Ngoma said.
He further called for the suspension of mining activities at Sino Metals until a full investigation is completed and measures are introduced to prevent future incidents.
Ngoma also accused Sino Leach Metals Zambia Ltd of misleading the government, urging authorities to impose heavy fines and demand full responsibility from the company.
He added that the government must show the same commitment to protecting its citizens and environment as it expects from foreign investors operating abroad.
“AIPAC stands ready to engage with the government and other stakeholders to find solutions that prioritize the interests of Zambians and promote sustainable development,” Ngoma said.
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