By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Concerns are rising in Chingola about The air pollution along Chingola Solwezi Road, specifically between the Solwezi turnoff and toll plaza.
Former Mayor Titus Tembo is urging authorities to act now, citing risks from trucks lacking proper safety features and harm to the community.
Mr. Tembo said Luakole School students and staff are negatively impacted to an extent that learning cannot take place well.
He added that with mining plants expected to reach full capacity soon, pollution will worsen, potentially making the area unsuitable for agricultural activities in the near future.
Chikola Mambwe, a small-scale farmer in the area, said the issue of dust pollution along Solwezi Road is frustrating, and nobody seems to care. Mr. Mambwe said that silica is dangerous to people if left uncontrolled. “To make matters worse, dump trucks have been allowed to operate even at night, covering the entire area in dust,”.
And Geoffrey Mutale, another concerned resident, said this is a serious problem along the Chingola-Solwezi road area, where mining activities are being conducted. Mr. Pande said the mining operation is causing harmful dust pollution through heavy trucks, affecting residents’ health. Many people, especially children, the elderly, and pregnant women, are suffering from breathing issues.
“Schools in the area where these mining operations are taking place face significant challenges as most students struggle to focus due to dust-related health issues,” Mr. Pande said. “As a concerned resident of Chingola, I suggest taking immediate action.”
And Chingola Member of Parliament Chipoka Mulenga who is the Area MP has sounded a warning to the Chinese national who has built smelters near Luankole Primary School.
Mr. Mulenga said he visited the area and has engaged relevant authorities, urging them to relocate the smelter, regardless of who sold the land or the price.
“You cannot put a processing plant near a school and farming area,” he emphasized.
Mr. Mulenga also warned against the construction of a dam near a stream in Hippo Pool, citing potential water contamination risks. “Let’s work together as Chingola residents and collaborate with the Chinese to achieve responsible development,” he said.
“I have heard concerns about dust pollution along Solwezi Road. Sometimes, residents puzzle me; it was you who sold the land to foreigners, knowing the activity. When we speak out, you complain that they give you money.”
