SAFE-GUARDING ENVIRONMENT

MINING activities are generally major sources of pollution. Whether it is small scale or large scale mining, the environment is in one way or the other affected.

It is no wonder that there is always resistance from environmentalists wherever investors want to set up a mine.

For instance in the lower Zambezi, there has been a protracted wrangling and court processes over the proposed establishment of a mine in what is largely seen as an animal sanctuary.

That aside, the court approved the mining activity can start, despite protests from tour operators and environmentalists.

While environmentalists have argued that mining in the area would unsettle the wildlife and other natural habitat, the locals have also protested that their need of jobs and other economic activities far outweigh other concerns.

There are many other examples of mining activities causing havoc, such as in the Eastern Province where some foreign miners have been digging and leaving craters for the locals to deal with.

It is such changes in the environment that forces local people near mining areas to protest. They do not want their lives to be changed by some chemicals being allowed to flow into the rivers from which they get their water supply.

This is the concern being raised by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) which is worried by the continued pollution of streams through mining activities.

The organisation says it has observed how mining activities across the country, especially coal mining in Sinazongwe had contributed to air and water pollution.

It has since called for sustained efforts to end the habit.

CEJ Head of Research Freeman Mubanga said some streams such as Sikalamba Stream and Nkandabwe Dam in Sinazongwe were declared unfit for both human and animal consumption by the Ministry of Health.

Mr Mubanga said Nkandabwe area in Sinazongwe where Collum Coal Mine is located, is a place where water from the boreholes and wells is contaminated.

“Community members have noticed that sustained consumption of water brings about stomach complications characterised by severe abdominal pains.

“In other communities, it is indicated that over time the water affects the pigmentation of the teeth from white to an unpleasant brown colour,” he said.

These are serious concerns which should be looked into by the Zambia Environment and Management Agency (ZEMA). The fact that the whole community is making these complaints means something is seriously wrong.

It is therefore imperative that Government through the appropriate body, ZEMA, takes up this matter without delay.

It is possible that this could have long lasting effects on the people living near the coal mine and therefore the need for urgent action to be taken.

As the CEJ has observed, ZEMA, should take serious note of all areas where there are mining activities and ensure that there is no pollution whether through the air or water.

It is not only humans being protected but nature, which serves both man and wildlife. There must be a win-win situation for all.