1. Name

Yande Nsofwa

 

2. Country of Residence

Zambia

 

3. Organization Name

Copperbelt University

 

4. Name of Target Lake/Lake Information: The basic information of the lake.

The target water body is Kafue River, one of Zambia’s most important rivers. It flows through the heart of the Copperbelt Province and is vital for the country’s ecosystem, agriculture, and local communities. The river supports diverse wildlife, provides water for farming and fishing, and sustains towns like Kitwe. It is deeply tied to the culture and heritage of the Zambian people. However, the river is increasingly under threat from industrial pollution, particularly from mining activities, as seen in the Sino Metals tailings dam collapse, which released 50 million liters of acidic waste into the Kafue and Mwambashi Rivers in February 2025

 

5. Purpose of the Activity: Specific goals and objectives.

The purpose of this activity is to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of the Kafue River from industrial pollution. The specific goals and objectives include: •Educating the public about the environmental and health impacts of industrial pollution, particularly focusing on the Sino Metals tailings dam collapse.

• Highlighting the importance of the Kafue River to Zambia’s communities, wildlife, agriculture, and economy.
• Documenting the experiences of affected residents, water utility officials, and students to show the human impact of the pollution.
• Calling for accountability from corporations involved in pollution and urging government action to strengthen environmental regulations.
• Encouraging community participation in conservation and advocacy efforts to ensure the river’s long-term sustainability.
• Promoting safe and clean water access as a fundamental human right. These objectives are aimed at inspiring collective action and ensuring that such environmental disasters are prevented in the future.

 

6. Activity Description: e.g., water quality testing, monitoring, cleanup efforts, environmental education.

The main activity is the production of a documentary film titled “Toxic Tide: Industrial Pollution’s Effect on Zambia’s Waterways.” The documentary focuses on environmental education and awareness, aiming to highlight the devastating impact of industrial pollution—particularly the February 2025 Sino Metals tailings dam collapse—on the Kafue River.  Key components of the activity include:

• Environmental Education: Educating the public through visual storytelling about the causes and effects of river pollution.
• Community Interviews: Capturing personal stories from affected residents, students, and officials to humanize the issue and highlight real-life consequences.
• Monitoring and Impact Analysis: Presenting findings on how the pollution affected water quality, aquatic life (e.g., mass fish deaths), agriculture, and urban water supply.
• Advocacy and Call to Action: Encouraging viewers to support conservation efforts, demand corporate responsibility, and protect Zambia’s natural water resources. This activity is a creative and impactful approach to engaging the public and policymakers in river conservation efforts.

 

7. Number of Participants: The number of youth involved

A total of 6 youth was actively involved in the activity. These participants contributed to various aspects of the documentary production, including research, interviews, filming, editing, narration, and community engagement, playing a vital role in raising awareness about the pollution of the Kafue River and advocating for environmental protection.

 

8. Outcomes and Impact: Data or reports obtained as a result of the activity

The documentary “Toxic Tide: Industrial Pollution’s Effect on Zambia’s Waterways” has led to several significant outcomes and impacts:

1.Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring and Assurance:

• Following the Sino Metals tailings dam collapse in February 2025, Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSSC) implemented rigorous water quality monitoring protocols. Hourly testing of raw water was conducted at strategic locations, including Sabina Bridge on the Mwambashi River, Garneton Water Treatment Plant, and Bulangililo Water Treatment Plant along the Kafue River. These tests focused on key parameters such as pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to ensure water safety.

2.Governmental Oversight and Public Assurance:

• The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, assured residents of Kitwe, Kalulushi, and surrounding areas that treated water supplied by NWSSC met all required standards and was safe for use.

3.Community Engagement and Education:

• The documentary facilitated community engagement by highlighting the experiences of affected residents, students, and officials. This engagement raised awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for corporate accountability in preventing such disasters.

4.Policy and Regulatory Responses:

• In response to the pollution incident, the government suspended water abstraction from the Mwambashi River and initiated measures to neutralize water acidity, including the application of over 600 tons of lime. Additionally, a multi-sectoral team comprising ZEMA, WARMA, the Mines Safety Department, and NWSSC was deployed for continuous water quality monitoring.

5.Independent Investigations and Accountability Measures:

• The Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) launched an urgent investigation into the tailings dam incident to identify lapses in engineering standards and propose long-term preventive measures.
  These outcomes underscore the documentary’s role in not only educating the public but also in prompting tangible actions towards environmental protection and sustainable water resource management.

 

9. Sustainability and Future Outlook: funding sources and collaborating Organizations

The sustainability and future development of the documentary “Toxic Tide: Industrial Pollution’s Effect on Zambia’s Waterways” hinge on securing funding and establishing partnerships with organizations committed to environmental conservation and public health.

Funding Sources:

• Bertha Foundation: Known for supporting investigative journalism and environmental justice initiatives, the Bertha Foundation could provide grants to further the documentary’s reach and impact.
• Agroecology Fund: This fund supports projects that promote sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience, aligning with the documentary’s themes of ecological preservation.
• World Bank: Through initiatives like the Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project (ZMERIP), the World Bank has funded environmental remediation efforts in Zambia, indicating potential support for related awareness campaigns.

Collaborating Organizations:

• Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSSC): As a key stakeholder in water quality management, NWSSC’s collaboration ensures accurate information dissemination and community trust.
• Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA): Partnering with ZEMA can facilitate access to environmental data and regulatory frameworks, enhancing the documentary’s credibility.
• Local Educational Institutions: Engaging universities and schools can aid in educational outreach, fostering environmental awareness among youth.

Future Outlook: To ensure the documentary’s long-term impact, plans include:

• Community Screenings: Organizing local viewings to spark discussions and community-driven solutions.
• Educational Integration: Incorporating the documentary into school curricula to educate students on environmental issues.
• Policy Advocacy: Using the documentary as a tool to influence environmental policies and corporate accountability measures. By securing diverse funding sources and fostering collaborations with key organizations, the documentary aims to sustain its mission of promoting environmental stewardship and safeguarding Zambia’s waterways for future generations.

 

10. Please share the link to the video introducing your activities.

https://www.instagram.com/yaya_nsofwa?igsh=OXJnZWR1bGFpb3Ey&utm_source=qr