Maravi

KCM pollution victim speaks out

KCM pollution victim speaks out
By Kabanda Chulu in Kitwe
Fri 03 Dec. 2010, 04:01 CAT

A victim of Konkola Copper Mines’ pollution of the Kafue River has challenged parliamentarians to give policy direction that will set standards for the prevention of environmental pollution.

James Nyasulu, who was hospitalised after the recent pollution of the river, said members of parliament should not get excited over trivial issues whenever they are making laws.

In an interview yesterday, Nyasulu advised parliamentarians and the government to protect the interests of people and stop prioritising operations by KCM whose rampant spillage of sulphuric acid into the Kafue River is increasingly becoming a danger to people’s lives.

“We are not comfortable with the K21 million fine since it will not do anything for Chingola residents and KCM is not a first offender. Even when you look at reports from NWASCO, they cite the mines as responsible for water contamination. KCM is a major culprit and we feel a lot of dirt is swept under the carpet hence the feelings of ordinary Chingola residents are not considered,” Nyasulu said.

He said since the courts had already decided over the matter, the residents were now challenging legislators to revise current laws and set standards that will ensure that KCM desists from the continued spillage of sulphuric acid into the Kafue River.

“These MPs should show direction and attach importance to issues that affect humanity and not just some of those trivial issues they keep on debating,” he said.

He accused KCM of polluting the environment with impunity because the mining company was highly favoured by the government.

He questioned why KCM had negligently polluted the environment frequently posing a serious risk to residents yet this situation went on unnoticed.

“If KCM is serious, why can’t they prioritise the rehabilitation of acid pipes?” said Nyasulu.

Last month, KCM polluted the Kafue River and Nyasulu was one of the victims who was even hospitalised at Kabundi Clinic with stomach cramps and started passing stool with mucus and blood which was also experienced by most members of his family and about three other households in the Kabundi East neighbourhood.

Last week, the Chingola magistrate court convicted and fined KCM K21 million on three counts for polluting the environment.

Labels: ENVIRONMENT, JAMES NYASULU, KCM, POLLUTION

posted by MrK @ 7:20 AM