Nzovu says govt unimpressed with pace of work at Chambishi pollution site, orders Sino-Metals to speed up cleanup exercise

Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, has directed Sino-Metals Leach Limited to expedite cleanup works at its Chambishi site to prevent secondary pollution as the rainy season approaches.

During a visit to the company on Sunday, Nzovu and his team assessed the progress of the cleanup exercise following the February acid spill that contaminated the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers, damaging crops and aquatic life.

“Unfortunately, we’re not satisfied with the pace of work, and I therefore directed the company and the consultant to expedite the cleanup before the rainy season to prevent secondary pollution,” Nzovu told journalists during the tour on Sunday.

He said the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment would provide regular updates on the ongoing remediation works.

“The government is committed to supplying clean drinking water to our people on the Copperbelt and nationwide,” he added.

Read more: green-economy-minster-nzovu-denies-cover-up-allegations-in-sino-metals-acid-spill

Earlier, Nzovu inspected the Bulangililo Water Treatment Plant expansion project in Kitwe, where he expressed satisfaction with progress and was assured of partial commissioning by December.

The minister also met civic leaders in Chambishi, Kalulushi District, to discuss government interventions aimed at mitigating water stress.

He emphasized the importance of transparency and communication in driving national development.

Nzovu further held talks with the independent consultant engaged by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to conduct an environmental impact assessment following the Sino-Metals spill.

“We urge civil society organizations under the hospice of the Zambia Environmental Justice Coalition (ZEJC) and all partners to take a keen interest and collaborate with the consultant. We’re committed to transparency throughout this process,” Nzovu said.

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