Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 28th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has announced encouraging progress in the ongoing environmental response following the suspension of fishing activities along the Kafue River in the Central and Copperbelt Provinces. According to a statement issued by Mr. Benny Munyama, Principal Public Relations Officer, current monitoring data indicates a steady improvement in water quality, raising prospects for a potential resumption of fishing operations in the near future.
This precautionary suspension was enacted after comprehensive scientific evaluations by the Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) and the University of Zambia’s School of Veterinary Medicine confirmed elevated levels of heavy metal contamination. The source of the pollution was traced to industrial discharge from Sino Metals in Kitwe, which affected the Mwambashi Stream a critical tributary feeding into the Kafue River. The resulting ecological disruption impacted aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of over 300,000 dependent households.
In response, the Ministry, through the Department of Fisheries, intensified its environmental surveillance and reinforced biosecurity measures to protect both aquatic life and public health. Despite promising signs of recovery, the fishing ban remains firmly in place as a precautionary measure.
Local communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any irregularities, including fish deaths or changes in river conditions. These grassroots reports are vital for guiding the Ministry’s evidence based interventions.
Should current trends persist, the Ministry anticipates lifting the fishing suspension as early as next month. A definitive update will be communicated at the appropriate time.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable management of Zambia’s fisheries and the protection of public health.
The Agency.