By ROGERS KALERO
SINO-Metals Leach Zambia Limited, the mining company that polluted the environment after its tailings dam collapsed has announced its plan to restock the fish which died after rivers were polluted with acidic effluents.
The company has also pledged that it will endeavour to clean up the environment and compensate the farmers whose crops were damaged by the pollution.
The company’s deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Martin Amukusana said they were working with government agencies, environmental experts and community representatives to ensure accountability and transparency in addressing the situation
Mr Amukusana was speaking when the company embarked on a transparency and accountability drive, beginning with an engagement with Senior Chief Nkana at his palace.
He said the courtesy call on Senior Chief Nkana marked the first in a series of meetings aimed at fostering openness and ensuring that all stakeholders were informed about the company’s on-going efforts to safeguard lives and the environment
“The company has reinforced environmental monitoring systems and emergency response protocols to mitigate risks. Additional investment in safety infrastructure, employee training, and sustainable safety practices are underway.
We also have a plan to restock the fish which died after the rivers were polluted, we will also clean up the environment and compensate the farmers whose crops were damaged by the pollution of the environment,” Mr Amukusana said
He said the engagement provided an opportunity for the management to brief Senior Chief Nkana on the company’s response to the February 18, incident as well as the measures being implemented to prevent future occurrences
“In the coming days and weeks, Sino-Metals will hold a series of meetings with local stakeholders, including community leaders, non-governmental organisations, church leaders, the media and other key voices in the affected areas. The company aims to listen, address concerns and work collaboratively to its commitment of being a responsible business and member of the community that benefits all stakeholders,” Mr Amukusana said
And Senior Chief Nkana said it was good that Sino-Metals had accepted responsibility of the pollution and had assured the government that it will clean up the environment and compensate the affected people.
Senior Chief Nkana urged the company to ensure it fulfilled its assurances of cleaning up the environment and compensate the affected people, adding that, the mining company should also follow what the government would say regarding compensation.He said he was happy that Sino-Metals had shown humility and cooperated with the government in its effort to address issues which had risen following the unfortunate incident of pollution last month.
