07/08/2025
YOUTH ALILA💔
By Remmy Kangwa
This evening, I took time to read a post on the U.S. Embassy Zambia page announcing the call-off of American citizens from Kitwe due to the most talked-about chemicals and contamination of water in the Kafue River. I also took time to watch News Diggers documentary.
What got my attention were the comments by many people, others calling the decision by the US Government a “Cold War” between America and China.
I deliberately asked one of my friends about the effects of these chemicals, and he told me that “much of the effects” are long-term—people might not feel much of it now, but they might in the future.
As citizens of this country, we must always learn to love one another before our views on certain matters, before politics and anything else; we should look at ourselves as brothers and sisters.
The questions many Zambians have now are:
1. Is the water contaminated?
2. Are these chemicals dangerous to Zambian people?
3. What has the government done so far?
4. Has the company been questioned about this careless act?
5. What is the Ministry of Health doing about this?
6. Are Zambians safe?
The answers to each are that a Chinese-owned copper mine, Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, experienced a tailings dam collapse on February 18, 2025, releasing 50 million liters of acidic wastewater into the Kafue River. This disaster has contaminated the river, affecting millions of people who rely on it for drinking water, irrigation, and fishing.
1. Is the water contaminated?_: Yes, the water is contaminated with acidic waste, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, making it hazardous for human consumption and aquatic life.
2. Are these chemicals dangerous to Zambian people?_: Yes, the chemicals pose serious health risks, including skin irritation, stomach illnesses, respiratory problems, and long-term effects like neurological damage, kidney failure, and developmental disorders in children.
3. What has the government done so far?_: The Zambian government has:
- Deployed emergency cleanup teams to neutralize the acidity using lime.
- Tested water quality to determine the extent of contamination.
- Explored legal actions against the mining company.
- Issued advisories warning residents not to consume or use river water.
4. Has the company been questioned about this careless act?_: Yes, Sino-Metals Leach Zambia has been questioned, and the company chairman has apologized, promising to restore the environment and cover cleanup expenses. However, environmental activists and opposition leaders argue that stricter regulations and accountability are needed.
5. What is the Ministry of Health doing about this?_: The Ministry of Health, in conjunction with other government agencies, has taken measures to mitigate the disaster's impact, including collecting water and fish samples for analysis and advising residents to exercise caution when consuming fish and livestock products.
6. Are Zambians safe?: Unfortunately, many Zambians are at risk due to the contamination. The government has taken steps to address the situation, but long-term effects of the pollution remain a concern. Residents are advised to avoid using river water and consuming fish from the affected area until further notice.
In a country without proper electricity, many Zambians depend on rivers for water and food. Why would someone question America’s move to call its people from Kitwe? What they have done is very much in order. As Zambians, we also need to ensure we find safer means to protect citizens. It’s a challenge—remember, the Kafue River flows all the way to Lusaka, and all of us are at risk ⚠️.
