By ALICE NACHILEMBE and IREEN MULENGA
The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Raphael Nakacinda has directed Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company to work with Mufulira Municipal Council to determine the suitability of the vegetables grown using sewer water.
Mr Nakacinda said the usage of sewer being used for gardening and other agricultural activities should be investigated to protect the lives of the people.
Speaking when he toured Mulonga Water projects in Mufulira, the Minister said the vegetables have to be determined weather there are suitable for human consumption.
Mr Nakacinda said he is informed that the Public Health from the council was requested to do a case study on the same.
He said the case is serious because it involves human lives, hence the process should not be slowed by buaracracy.
“This is a matter of agency and should be done immediately so that you are able to advice. Make sure that the lives of the people are safeguarded. Once the results are out the people will know the dangers and given an education on the matter.” he said.
And MWSC Managing Director said that the utility firm was concerned that is why it had involved the Local Athority to carry out the tests on the vegetables.
Mr Kaira said at one time the water utility firm had slashed the vegetables but it didn’t deter the people from continuing with the activity.
And residents in Kansuswa thanked the water utility firm for the installation of water kiosk in area.
Elizabeth Mwisa said the water problem they were facing has been reduced ever since the installation of the kiosks in the area.
Ms Mwisa also thanked government for the good job of bringing development closer to their door steps.