Questionable mining activities are booming in Chingola’s […]

Questionable mining activities are booming in Chingola’s residential areas, raising significant concerns among residents and local authorities alike. Community members have reported the mushrooming of these questionable mining operations, warning of escalating pollution and negative impacts on local economies.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), newly elected Chingola District Mayor Nelius Mumba acknowledged the growing number of complaints reaching his office.

 “I can equally confirm that complaints are coming through my office, a number of them. In some areas, I can even notice them myself,” Mayor Mumba stated.

He described the situation as a major challenge, with mining companies operating in localities where people have built homes. “At the end of the day, because of these mining activities, a lot of pollution occurs,” he explained.

Mayor Mumba cited the example of Lulamba, where a mine is situated in the middle of a community, raising questions about waste disposal and environmental safety.

He told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, that residents have also complained about contamination of boreholes and water sources, and the mayor emphasized the need for urgent solutions. “Once I get into office, I need to have a stakeholder engagement to see how best we can do a 50-50 kind of a solution to this issue,” he said.

Mayor Mumba further noted that a substantial amount of land has been acquired by mining companies, many of them foreign-owned, particularly by Chinese firms.

“We need to find out how these lands were allocated and find ways to reduce such allocations that do not benefit our people,” he said, adding that a review of land allocation processes is likely once his office is fully established.

He concluded by stressing the importance of stakeholder engagement and sustainable solutions to safeguard the well-being of Chingola’s residents.

 He emphasized that his office is committed to working with all stakeholders to address the negative impacts of illegal mining and to develop sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of the Chingola community.

Article by Tyndale