Kalusale village
Kalusale is a rural settlement and farming community located near Chambishi, within Kalulushi District of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The village lies along the Mwambashi stream, a tributary of the Kafue River, and has a predominantly agricultural economy.
Geography
Kalusale lies approximately 10 km southwest of Chambishi town. The area depends heavily on the Mwambashi stream for irrigation and household water.
Economy
Kalusale is largely agrarian, with residents cultivating maize, groundnuts, vegetables and other subsistence crops. Local farmers rely on rain-fed and stream-fed agriculture for their livelihoods.
Pollution incident (February 2025)
On 18 February 2025, a tailings dam belonging to Sino Metals Mine in Chambishi ruptured, releasing acidic effluent into the Mwambashi stream and downstream Kafue River. The spill severely damaged farmland in Kalusale, destroying crops and contaminating domestic water sources.
The Socialist Party’s Copperbelt spokesperson, Reagan Kashinga, called on the government and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to intervene, demanding lifelong compensation for affected farmers. He highlighted that the contaminated soil may no longer support agriculture.[1]
Nkana Water and the Kalulushi District Commissioner, Kelly Jibinga, responded by providing water bowsers and initiating cleanup efforts. Water quality tests began monitoring pH and heavy-metal levels to ensure they returned to the recommended 6.5–8 range.[2]
Aftermath and response
A district-level committee was established to register affected farmers and coordinate relief efforts. Although pH levels in the Mwambashi stream have improved, heavy metal concentrations—such as copper, manganese and zinc—remain a concern.[3]
Significance
The incident at Kalusale has become a focal point for discussions on mining regulation and environmental responsibility in Zambia’s Copperbelt region. Critics argue that ZEMA failed in oversight, while residents and environmental advocates urge greater accountability from mining operators.
See also
References
- ↑ Government Must Take Responsibility of Pollution of Mwambashi Stream and Kafue River, Lusaka Times, 24 February 2025
- ↑ Clearance Of Mwambashi Dam Pollution Progresses, Zambia News and Information Services, 23 February 2025
- ↑ Clearance Of Mwambashi Dam Pollution Progresses, Lusaka Times, 24 February 2025
