The Citizens Environmental and Social Concern (CESCo) has called on government to take keen interest in investigating reports of water pollution by the mining giant Kalumbila Mine Company in Solwezi District.

CESCo Executive Director Conwell Hakapya says the Zambia Environmental and Management Agency (ZEMA) should engage the mining firm to ensure that it takes full responsibility of the happenings in Solwezi.

Mr. Hakapya says it is unfortunate that the mining firm has allegedly polluted the Musengeshi River in Chief Musele and that the water is polluted and unfit for human consumption.

He says the government should strive to ensure that mining firms do not abrogate the country’s laws with impunity but take necessary action to deal with perpetrators.

Mr. Hakapya states that even the people who did the environmental assessment report for the dam near Musengeshi river that has led to the blockage of the river is against Zambia’s Environmental Act.

And when contacted for a comment, ZEMA Public Relations Manager Irene Chipili could not give ZEMA’s position by press time.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) yesterday announced the suspension of US$700, 000 water project following community snub.

FQM Country Manager, General Kingsley Chinkuli said the mining giant strives to do the right thing and support the people who are in the neighboring communities.