The Zambia Climate Change Network (ZCCN) says the rapid growth being experienced in North-Western Province has brought development but also increased pressure on the region’s environment and infrastructure.
ZCCN Founding Board Chairperson, Professor Noah Zimba, said the province has in recent years seen a significant influx of people and intensified economic activity, particularly in mining. He noted that this growth is now overwhelming existing infrastructure and natural resources.
Prof Zimba explained that the strain has contributed to various human and environmental risks, including the spread of communicable diseases and pollution of water and land systems. These challenges, he said, pose serious threats to communities, rivers and productive soils.
He made these remarks in Solwezi during a media briefing on the ZCCN steering committee’s observations following interactions and site visits in Kasempa, Kalumbila, Mufumbwe and Solwezi districts.
According to Prof Zimba, some perennial rivers and streams in the province are experiencing unusually low water levels and drying effects, something he said has not been seen before. The committee attributes some of this harm to an increase in informal small-scale and artisanal mining activities.
He stressed the need for a sector-wide platform where mining companies can share their experiences and best practices to promote responsible mining and reduce environmental damage.
Speaking at the same event, ZCCN Co-convener Patrick Kaumba praised the government and various stakeholders for training small-scale and artisanal mining cooperatives in safer and more environmentally friendly mining methods.
Mr Kaumba urged the government to strengthen support systems by encouraging foreign and local investment partnerships and expanding financing opportunities for small-scale miners. He said improved access to capital would help miners avoid selling their licences to foreign investors and instead enable them to operate sustainably.
By Kuchalo reporter
Picture: Environmental issues are critical
