By Staff Reporter
The United States of America says remedial measures must begin immediately following the recent contamination of the Kafue River by Sino Metals, because the heavy metals will poison Zambia’s water and soil for generations to come.
“Today’s World Water Day takes on special significance this year given the recent contamination of the Kafue River. Maize fields have been destroyed, fish have died, and unless remediation actions are begun immediately the heavy metals that have leaked into Zambia’s streams and rivers will poison Zambia’s water and soil for generations to come. Sadly, the Zambian people, their health and their livelihoods, will pay the price,” the Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Phil Dimon stated.
The Embassy argued that this catastrophe did not have to happen.
“Thankfully, Zambian voices are leading the call for accountable economic growth. As Executive Director of the Centre for Environment Justice and YALI Mandela Washington Fellow alumna Maggie Mwape said, “This crisis demands more than just emergency interventions. It requires a long-term, justice-driven approach to hold polluters accountable,” stated Dimon.
