Care for Nature Zambia (CaNZ) says it is pleased with President Hakainde Hichilema’s pledge that no parent should lose a child through illegal mining, describing the presidential speech as a source of renewed hope for Zambia in terms of peace, unity and economic growth. In a statement today, the organisation’s Executive Director, Nsama Musonda Kearns, […]

Care for Nature Zambia (CaNZ) says it is pleased with President Hakainde Hichilema’s pledge that no parent should lose a child through illegal mining, describing the presidential speech as a source of renewed hope for Zambia in terms of peace, unity and economic growth.

In a statement today, the organisation’s Executive Director, Nsama Musonda Kearns, said the theme of the speech, “Grow Zambia: an agenda for inclusive growth and opportunity for every Zambian”, shows government’s willingness to work with all Zambians to achieve national development which will translate to improved livelihoods.

She said as an organisation that promotes human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development in Zambia, CaNZ welcomes the presidential call inviting every citizen, especially members of Parliament, the church and traditional leaders, to help ensure that no parent loses their child through illegal mining and that all mining in Zambia must be legal, formal, commercially viable and safe.

Kearns said the organisation also welcomes the call to continue supporting community participation in tourism, including the conservation and sustainable management of national parks, game management areas, forests and wildlife resources.

She said CaNZ equally welcomes the presidential call to protect water catchments, rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater resources, while implementing measures to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
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Kearns said there is, however, an urgent need to take note of additional needs if the above call is to be actualised, including that the Minerals Regulation Commission must work hand in hand with ZEMA to ensure that children and their communities are protected from pollution resulting from sulfur dioxide and the collapse of tailings which have repeatedly polluted land and water.

She said the Ministry of Labour needs to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Community Development to ensure children are protected from child labour in the mining sector by strengthening the implementation of Child Labour and Child Protection Committees.

Kearns said law enforcement agencies need to take interest in addressing illegal mining and taking children out of mines, whilst the Minerals Regulation Commission continues training communities on formalisation.

She said the National Parks and Wildlife Authority needs to invest in rescue techniques and equipment for wildlife that strays from their habitats, adding that addressing human and wildlife conflicts will also contribute to wildlife protection.

Kearns said implementing measures to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change must be extended to addressing the impacts of pollution resulting from mining on water sources, as a number of rivers and streams in the country are under threat of pollution due to effluents from mining being released into water bodies.

She said there is a need to conduct an impact analysis of pollution on access to water in schools and to put interventions in place to ensure that schools in pollution-affected communities have access to safe and clean water.

Kearns said the Zambian government has demonstrated political will to transform the livelihoods of the people, and that in a situation where there is compliance with human rights, mining and environmental laws, Vision 2030 can be achieved without leaving anyone behind.
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