Water Supply Shut Down in Kitwe Due to Pollution from Sino Metals

By Rosemary Kamanga

Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company -NWSC has shut down water supply to the entire City of Kitwe due to high pollution levels in the Kafue River.

Water Development and Sanitation Minister , COLLINS NZOVU says this measure has been taken to safeguard public health following the contamination of raw water sources by industrial activities.

Mr. NZOVU tols ZNBC news that investigations by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, in collaboration with the utility and environmental authorities, have confirmed that one of the mining companies operating in the Copperbelt has discharged pollutants into the environment.

He said the Ministry received reports of water pollution in the Chambishi area of Kalulushi District traced to Sino Metals, on Tuesday, 18th February 2025.

Mr. NZOVU explained that preliminary findings indicate that the tailings containment facility at the mine failed, leading to the release of large volumes of acidic material with high heavy metal content into the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers.