Gov’t Suspends Operations at Kafue Raw Water Pump Station in Chililabombwe
Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has suspended operations at the Kafue Raw Water Pump Station in Chililabombwe on the Copperbelt to investigate suspected pollution of the Kafue River.
Water Development and Sanitation Minister Collins Nzovu, who released a statement, said officers from his ministry and Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (MWSC) have temporarily shut down the pump station to protect public health and facilitate a comprehensive investigation.
Mr Nzovu said in a statement the action followed initial observations of unusual turbidity in the raw water supply, which prompted immediate sampling and laboratory analysis.
He said while preliminary test results remained inconclusive, further detailed assessments were currently underway in collaboration with relevant regulatory bodies and independent laboratories to determine the nature and source of the contamination.
He said currently MWSC was supplying water from underground dewatering operations, which had been confirmed to be safe for consumption and use and that strict monitoring protocols and safety measures had been put in place to ensure the continued protection of public health.
“The Government of Zambia takes any potential threat to public health and environmental integrity with the highest level of seriousness. A full and transparent investigation is ongoing, and any individuals or entities found responsible will be held accountable in accordance with national environmental and public health laws,” he said.
He has since cautioned all stakeholders particularly industrial operators against any actions that could compromise the quality and safety of our water resources adding that Pollution of natural water bodies endangered essential services and was serious risks to ecosystems and human lives.
The minister said the ministry would continue to provide regular updates and further urged the public to remain calm and confident adding that all necessary steps were taken to address the situation effectively and responsibly.
