Water supply disrupted on the Copperbelt after suspected contamination of the Kafue River.

WATER supply to parts of the Copperbelt province has been disrupted following suspected contamination of the Kafue River.

The affected areas include Kitwe, Kalulushi, and Chambeshi.

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, informed Parliament that the government is aware of the situation and has taken immediate measures to address it.

He warned that mining companies responsible for the contamination will face punishment.

This was in response to an urgent matter raised in Parliament by Kamfinsa Member of Parliament, Christopher Kang’ombe, who expressed concern over the water supply shutdown.

“We are very much aware of what is happening and have taken immediate measures. The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) are on site, and we assure the people of the Copperbelt that the government is handling the situation,” Mr Nzovu said.

He is expected to issue a comprehensive statement on the matter tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company has shut down water supply in Kitwe due to the suspected contamination.

Company Public Relations Manager, Bivan Saluseki, confirmed the development, stating that the company is closely monitoring the situation.

“Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company wishes to inform its esteemed customers in Kitwe that water supply to the city has been shut down today, February 20, 2025, due to suspected contamination in the Kafue River, our raw water source,” Mr Saluseki said.

He, however, assured residents that the water supplied before the shutdown remains safe for consumption.

“We would like to assure our customers that the situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided periodically,” he added.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 20th February, 2025)