The rivers Tshikapa, Kasaï, Fimi and Kwilu have been affected by significant pollution since the end of July. Fish and aquatic animals were found dead. According to the Congolese authorities, this pollution is due to the activity in a diamond mine in the Angolan province of Lunda Norte, where Tshikapa comes from. According to the government, 13 of the 18 health zones in Kasai province are affected and more than 950,000 people are exposed.
as reported from Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
The deputies in Kasaïet du Kwilu are angry More than two weeks later the first warnings of significant pollution in their province no concrete measures have been taken.
The government has still not sent a field mission to determine the level of pollution and provide assistance to neighboring populations that are prohibited from fishing and consuming river water.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, Eve Bazaiba, will address the National Assembly next Tuesday, 24 August. Contacted by RFI, she said that a humanitarian mission will be launched on the ground from next week, which will include medicines, food and other relief packages for the populations affected by this pollution.
On the diplomatic front, an oral note was sent to the Angolan authorities. The Deputy Prime Minister and her Foreign Affairs colleague are also expected in Angolala next week, to determine the exact source of the pollution and determine responsibility.
.
