Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has confirmed that water in areas affected by the pollution incident linked to Sino Metals is now safe and meets both national and World Health Organization (WHO) standards, following several months of environmental interventions.
Addressing a press briefing held at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) Boardroom in Lusaka, Mr. Mweetwa announced that water quality has been fully restored, with pH levels and other indicators now falling within acceptable limits.
“There is no cause for alarm. The situation has been brought under full control,” Mr. Mweetwa stated. “This incident occurred over six months ago, and all immediate risks have since been neutralized. Water has been certified safe by both national authorities and in accordance with WHO guidelines.”
The contamination was traced to a dam failure at the Sino Metals facility, which resulted in the discharge of pollutants into nearby water bodies. The government received an initial report on February 8, 2025, and, through the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), conducted a physical inspection on February 19. The company was immediately directed to submit an environmental management plan.
Accompanied by Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha, as well as environmental and health experts, Mr. Mweetwa outlined the government’s coordinated and comprehensive response. This included emergency interventions by Nkana Water and Sewerage Company, along with other relevant agencies, to contain the pollution and initiate restoration efforts. Of the 200 water samples collected, 37 preliminary results have so far been analyzed—all confirming that the water meets established safety standards.
“There have been no fatalities associated with the incident,” he emphasized. “Our response was swift and thorough. Sino Metals has since been fined K1.5 million, which has been paid in full. The company has also compensated affected households.”
Mr. Mweetwa reiterated the government’s commitment to holding polluters accountable and preventing future environmental threats. “We commend all ministries and departments that participated in the response. Environmental protection is not a choice—it is our responsibility to both present and future generations.”
He also dismissed calls to declare the incident a national disaster, stating that the legal threshold had not been met.
“Declaring a national disaster would imply a need for international assistance, which has not been necessary. Government responded effectively and within its own capacity.”
Drawing parallels with the forensic audit at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMSA), Mr. Mweetwa highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s consistent leadership in managing crises. He cautioned against politicizing the incident, stressing that the government has handled the matter with transparency and effectiveness.
Supporting these remarks, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu added that the contaminated water plant had been shut down and treated to neutralize acidity. “Extensive tests now confirm that water quality fully meets WHO standards,” he said. “We’ve taken every necessary step, and verification by both the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and independent consultant Alfred Knight confirm that the water is safe.”
The ministers concluded by urging the public and media to rely on verified, science-based information as the government continues its efforts to strengthen environmental safety and water quality monitoring across the country.
And Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha noted that the government had issued regular public updates, delivered a ministerial statement to Parliament, and engaged directly with civil society and the diplomatic community. He confirmed that samples were collected from beyond the immediate impact zone to ensure public safety.
Key Takeaways: Sino Metals Pollution Incident and Government Response
1. Water Now Safe
o pH levels in affected rivers—Chambishi, Mwambashi, and Kafue—have returned to normal.
o Water quality now meets both national and World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
2. Background of the Pollution Incident
o Incident occurred in February 2025 following the failure of Sino Metals’ tailings dam TD15F.
o Approximately 50,000 cubic metres of acidic slurry containing heavy metals were released into key water bodies.
3. Swift Government Response
o Sino Metals’ operations were suspended, and an Environmental Restoration Order was issued.
o Lime dosing was implemented to neutralize acidity, and over 200 water samples were collected for testing.
4. No Reported Deaths or Major Health Effects
o Only three minor illness cases were recorded; all patients have fully recovered.
o No deaths or confirmed cases of heavy metal poisoning have been reported.
5. Sino Metals Held Accountable
o The company was fined K1.5 million and has begun compensating affected communities for crop and soil damage.
o Sino Metals is also funding environmental assessments and rehabilitation of the failed dam.
6. Permanent Ban on Unneutralized Tailings
o Government has directed all mining companies to cease disposal of unneutralized acidic tailings.
o All existing tailings dams must comply with neutralization requirements by December 2025.
7. Commendation of Water Utilities
o Nkana Water acted promptly by shutting down affected treatment plants and supplying safe water through bowsers.
8. Ongoing Monitoring and Testing
o Heavy metal testing continues; 163 out of 200 samples are still under analysis by an independent laboratory.
o Continuous environmental and health surveillance is being conducted by the Ministry of Health and ZEMA.
9. Commitment to Transparency
o The government remains committed to regular community engagement and public updates.
o Further technical briefings will be provided by relevant Permanent Secretaries.
10. Polluter Pays Principle Enforced
• Sino Metals is cooperating fully and is covering all costs related to environmental assessment, clean-up, and community compensation.
Issued by:
Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation
Public Relations Unit
Lusaka, Zambia
