CYNTHIA MONONOKI
GOVERNMENT says the suspension of fishing activities on the Kafue River remains in full effect.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Principal Public Relations Officer, Benny Munyama, says following the suspension of fishing activities along the Kafue River in Central and Copperbelt provinces, ongoing monitoring efforts indicate that the situation is gradually normalising.Mr Munyama says the suspension follows scientific assessments by the Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) and the University of Zambia – School of Veterinary Medicine confirmed the presence of heavy metal contamination caused by pollution from Sino Metals in Kitwe.
He says this pollution affected Mwambashi Stream, a major tributary of the Kafue River, and subsequently impacted aquatic life and the livelihoods of approximately 300, 000 households.
Mr Munyama said since the incident, the ministry, through the Department of Fisheries, has enhanced water quality monitoring and biosecurity protocols to safeguard both human and aquatic life. Mr Munyama says while improvements have been noted, the suspension of fishing activities remains in force.
He says communities have been urged to continue reporting any fish deaths or unusual activities along the river, as these reports are crucial for informed decision-making.
He indicated that if the current trend continues, the ministry anticipates lifting the suspension next month.
