Opposition People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) President, Andyford Banda, has criticized government for its handling of the Kafue River pollution caused by Sino Metals on the Copperbelt.
Mr. Banda said the pollution, which has resulted in a fishing ban on the river, is a clear indication of the government’s negligence in safeguarding the livelihoods and well-being of the Zambian people.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr. Banda argued that government should have revoked Sino Metals’ mining license following the environmental breach.
“In any normal setup, the mining license for the company should have been revoked and doing so would have sent a strong message to other mining firms that mineral extraction must not come at the expense of the environment,” said Mr. Banda
He further urged government to ensure that Sino Metals fully compensates all those affected by the fish ban, noting that fishing is a vital source of income for communities along the Kafue River.
By Angel Kasabo
