A traditional leader in Chisakane Ward of Kafue District has called for more sensitisation on environmental protection and put safety measures against dust pollution.
Headman Libubi notes that due to the mining activities, the area is experiencing dust pollution leading to increasing cases of TB and other respiratory infections especially among children and women in his area.
He states that the pollution levels caused by query mining activities have the potential to negatively impact the health of communities in his area hence the need for further sensitisation.
ZANIS reports that the traditional leader was speaking during the Chisakane – Chifwema Environmental Protection Project Launch by Rise Community Aid Program at Shantumbu School.
“Here in Chisakane we are faced with environmental issues like dust pollution and land degradation which hurts the health of the communities, and we are calling for more sensitisation from stakeholders,” Headman Libubi said.
And Rise Community Aid Program (RICAP) Executive Director Samuel Tundu said his organisation will implement a community project to reduce environmental degradation and health risks in Chisakane and Chifwema.
Mr Tundu said the project seeks to engage and empower local communities to become the custodians of local ecosystems using rights based on social accountability for environmental protection in five (5) communities of Chisakane and Chifwema wards.
“The aim of this project which is supported Global Green Fund is to reduce environmental degradation and health risks on the population and empower local communities to become the custodians of local ecosystems using rights based on social accountability for environmental protection in five (5) communities of Chisakane and Chifwema wards,’’ said Mr Tundu.
Mr Tundu noted that dust pollution and land degradation due to mining and quarrying activities are major environmental challenges for the two wards leading to high numbers of TB and other respiratory infections especially among children and women.
“Dust pollution and land degradation due to mining and quarrying activities are major environmental challenges for the two wards leading to high numbers of TB and other respiratory infections especially among children and women,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kafue District Commissioner Maurice Hikapulwe who officiated at the launch commended the organisation for implementing the project in Kafue.
Mr Hikapulwe noted that the project comes at a time when environmental stewardship is a moral imperative for communities and future generations.
He stated that the project aligns with the Government’s vision for an environmentally sustainable Zambia as it emphasises the importance of collective action.
“In line with the Government’s vision for an environmentally sustainable Zambia, this project emphasises the importance of collective action,” said Mr Hikapulwe.
Mr Hikapulwe further urged the traditional leaders, civic leaders, and all community members to take ownership of the initiative.
