In Chingola’s Hippo Pool area, a Chinese company has set up a copper processing plant without obtaining a mining license or authorization from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), displacing local farmers who received only K3000 as compensation.
The company has also started constructing a dam near the Kafue River, sparking pollution concerns among residents and authorities.
The affected farmers are unhappy with the compensation, citing inadequate consultation and unfair property valuation.
Chingola Constituency Member of Parliament Chipoka Mulenga, who visited the site, expressed environmental concerns due to the plant’s proximity to the river, posing potential pollution risks.
He questioned why the development proceeded without the council’s knowledge and ordered the Chinese company to halt activities immediately, labeling them unacceptable and illegal.
However, the Chinese company claims to have purchased the land from Chingola Municipal.
Naomi Sakala, Director of Planning at Chingola Municipal Council, revealed that the company applied for land for organic activities, not a copper processing plant.
Mr. Mulenga demanded the immediate stoppage of the dam’s construction, citing potential harm to residents and impact on farming activities.
Villagers alleged they were forced to accept K3000 compensation by a local councilor.
Mr. Mulenga advised villagers to value their land, as the compensation was insufficient, and requested the council to allocate new land for farming before the rain season begins.
He also the Chinese company to provide fertilizer to affected farmers.
