Agricultural expert, Edify Hamukale, has commended the over K16 million compensation awarded to farmers affected by water pollution caused by acid spillages from Sino Metals and Rhongxing Mining.
Dr. Hamukale says the funds will allow farmers to drill boreholes for clean water, which will support household use, crop irrigation, and livestock care.
Dr. Hamukale’s remarks follow Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo’s announcement that approximately 449 farmers affected by Sino Metals’ spillages will receive compensation and an additional 214 farmers impacted by pollution from Rhongxing Mining Limited will also be compensated for damage to their fish, goats, and other livestock.
He has since urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, emphasizing that the compensation is intended to help secure alternative water sources and other agricultural related resources, and not to cover day to day cost of living.
Dr. Hamukale has advised farmers to invest the money wisely to restore access to clean and reliable water for their agricultural needs.
By Margaret Mwanza
