On 6 March, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Mr. Wang Sheng met with Hon. Collins Nzovu, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation.

Mr. Wang said that with the goal of realizing modernization that features harmony between humanity and nature, the Chinese side is ready to work with the Zambian side to fully implement the consensus reached by the two Heads of States, and carry out the signed project to promote the development and protection of water resources, as part of the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

He said that the Embassy is deeply saddened by the recent tailing dam incident of Sino Metals. The company has apologized for the negative impact this may have brought to the local people, and invested K15.32 million for immediate response. The Embassy has been and will continue urging the relevant company to take responsibility in the pollution control with expertise and resources to the best of its capability, with an aim of completely cleaning up river pollution and eliminating the negative effect.

Minister Nzovu said that the Zambian side is ready to deepen cooperation in the relevant areas with China, and welcomes Chinese government’s engagement in the Kafue River pollution control. It is believed that with concerted efforts, the two sides can work together to ensure the provision of clean water supply for local residents and animals and restore the river ecosystem.

Mr. Wang said that an expert team will come from China to work in collaboration with the local experts this weekend. The Chinese side will work hand in hand with the Zambian side for the pollution management and livelihood restoration of the affected community.