BARNABAS ZULU and MWAKA MWANSA
HARRY Kalaba has raised alarm over escalating pollution levels in the Kafue River, warning that the presence of hazardous heavy metals is endangering the health of citizens and aquatic life.
Mr. Kalaba, the leader of Citizens First (CF) has revealed that recent water sample analyses have detected 24 different heavy metals in the Kafue River, with 16 of them exceeding the permissible limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“This is not just an environmental concern. This is a national health crisis,” Mr Kalaba said. “The Kafue River is not only a vital water source for thousands of Zambians, but also a critical ecosystem. The presence of toxic substances like nickel, lead, and uranium is deeply worrying and will have direct health hazards to the people.”
Addressing the media yesterday, Mr. Kalaba said the findings have far-reaching consequences for both human and environmental health, calling for urgent government intervention.
“How can we sit back while our people are drinking, bathing, and cooking with water contaminated with uranium and lead?” These metals are known to cause kidney failure, neurological damage, and cancer. This is an unfolding disaster that demands an immediate and transparent response,” he said.
He accused the government of downplaying the seriousness of the pollution and failing to keep the public informed about the true extent of the contamination.
“I challenge the government today: Publish a comprehensive report on the steps being taken to clean up the Kafue River,” he demanded. “Zambians have a right to know what they are being exposed to and what measures are in place to protect them.”
Mr Kalaba said continued silence from authorities could be interpreted as complicity or gross negligence.
“It’s unacceptable for this issue to be swept under the rug. We need clear timelines, accountability, and consequences for polluters – whether they are mining houses or industrial players,” he said.
The Kafue River, which flows through the Copperbelt, Central, and Lusaka provinces, is a major water source for domestic and industrial use, agriculture, and fishing.
“Protecting the Kafue River is protecting lives,” Mr Kalaba emphasised. “This is not a political matter – it’s a matter of survival.”
