Mpika Member of Parliament, Francis Kapyanga, says the ongoing pollution of the Kanchibiya and Kanyelee rivers could have been avoided if government had heeded concerns raised by local people when gold deposits were first discovered in the area.
Mr. Kapyanga said a few individuals were granted mining licenses and have continued operating without following proper environmental guidelines, leading to increased pollution.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Kapyanga revealed that despite his efforts to arrange a roundtable discussion involving government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, his calls have gone unanswered.
“There was a proposal that government should prioritize artisanal miners by formalizing their licenses and linking them to a strategic investor, but this has not been implemented,” said Mr. Kapyanga.
Mr. Kapyanga added that some individuals are still engaging in unsafe mining practices, causing further contamination of nearby streams. He warned that if government does not move quickly to regulate mining activities, the environmental damage could worsen.
Christabel Kamunu.
