By Chinoyi Chipulu
An environmentalist has opposed the government’s decision to allow mining operations in the lower Zambezi National Park saying the greedy decision will cost the lives of many Zambians.
Government approved large scale mining exploration for African Brothers Corporation Limited to conduct mining activities in the lower Zambezi National Park.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Licensing Committee approved a large scale exploration for mining activities to be conducted at the park on September 11,2024.
But Save Environment and People Agency (SEPA) chief executive officer Mailess Muke said the issue was concluded and government agreed that no firm would be allowed to proceed with any form of mining in the park.
In an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Muke said it was sad because this would be a threat to the environment thereby affecting everyone.
“This is sad, these are issues stakeholders had talked about. The message was clear and technocrats agreed with us. So the greedy will cost us our lives,” she said.
Muke said there were lots of negative effects this would have on the park, the river as well as the people and nature that depend on it.
“Here, we are feeling the effects of climate change. Unfortunately, every one, one day will be affected ,” she said.
Muke said pollution would be caused on rivers and its freshwater fisheries that were critical for the food security and livelihoods of communities in the country would have significant consequences.
