The World Bank is expected to roll out 65 million U. S. dollars to tackle environmental degradation in four mining towns in Zambia, state media reported Wednesday.
The funds will go to environmental remedial improvement to reduce environmental health risks in Kitwe, Mufulira, and Chingola towns in the Copperbelt Province and Kabwe town in central Zambia.
“The World Bank through the previous Copperbelt project supported the clean-up of polluted mining areas and helped strengthen environmental governance. We are taking up this agenda again following a request by the government because we all believe it is a major challenge for Zambia and impacts many livelihoods,” World Bank Country Manager for Zambia Ina Ruthenberg is quoted saying by the Zambia Daily Mail.
The project, she said, will result in the treatment and nutritional supplements for over 30,000 children in the central town who have been impacted by years of lead poisoning.
It will also reduce the impact of sulphur dioxide on soil quality and improve agricultural productivity, a move that was expected to benefit about 1,000 farmers in Mufulira town.
“Overall this project shall demonstrate how environmental clean-up can be designed and replicated,” she added.
The five-year project will also include the securing of tailing dumps as they posed as a risk to the environment and personal safety. Enditem
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(Via: NewsGhana)
