The Kafue River in Zambia has been severely contaminated due to a recent acid spill from a collapsed tailings dam at a Chinese-owned copper mine. The spill has released approximately 50 million liters of toxic waste, leading to devastating impacts on local agriculture and fish populations. Environmentalists and authorities are deeply concerned about the potential long-term effects of this incident on surrounding communities.
Zambia is facing a significant environmental crisis following an acid spill from a Chinese-operated copper mine, which has contaminated the Kafue River, a vital source of water for millions. Concerns have been raised about the long-term repercussions of this contamination, first detected over 100 kilometers downstream, potentially leading to extensive ecological damage.
The incident transpired on February 18 when a tailings dam at the mine failed, releasing approximately 50 million liters of waste, including concentrated acid and heavy metals, into a stream linked to the Kafue River. The Engineering Institution of Zambia confirmed the severity of the spill, heightening alarm regarding its impact on local ecosystems.
Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba characterized the event as an ecological catastrophe, with devastating effects on communities reliant on the river for survival. He noted how the spill has severely affected local agriculture, as farmers were approaching harvest. “What they had invested in has been washed away,” he remarked, highlighting the destruction to both soil and crops.
Following the incident, distressing images of dead fish along the riverbanks surfaced, with local farmers reporting substantial crop losses, particularly in maize and groundnuts. On February 23, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a public advisory, warning against consuming fish from the Kafue River or other impacted streams.
Juliet Bulaya, a local farmer, shared her painful experience of witnessing the waste contaminate her fish pond, leading to the loss of her entire stock. “I just stood in agony, wondering what I would do about the money I spent on the project,” she expressed.
While the breach was officially repaired by February 19 and harmful residue discharge has been managed, the complete extent of the environmental, economic, and human effects remains uncertain and concerning for the future.
In summary, the acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine has resulted in severe pollution of Zambia’s Kafue River, threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on this water source. The incident has devastated local agriculture, leading to significant economic and environmental repercussions. Although immediate containment actions have been taken, the long-term consequences of this disaster are yet to be fully evaluated.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
