Lualaba: Acid Spill into the Dipeta River Revives Debate on Environmental Safety in Fungurume
La rivière Kalamu le 4/03/2013 à Kinshasa. Radio Okapi/Ph. John Bompengo
The overturning of a truck carrying acid in the commune of Fungurume, in Lualaba, has revived concerns over the environmental risks linked to the transport of chemical products. The pollution of the Dipeta River and the observed death of aquatic wildlife have prompted civil society to call for urgent measures to protect local communities.
An Accident with Serious Consequences
The accident occurred when a truck carrying acid, coming from Lubumbashi and heading to Fungurume, overturned near the Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) base. A large quantity of chemical product spilled into the Dipeta River, raising serious concerns about the environmental consequences.
Shortly after the spill, several aquatic species were found dead, a sign of pollution that could also affect communities that use the river for their daily needs.
Civil Society Raises the Alarm
The Fungurume Civil Society Consultation Framework says this incident is not an isolated case. Its coordinator, Gauthier Kavwamba, recalls that the Kelangile, Kalweji and Digulwe rivers have already experienced similar episodes of pollution.
According to him, the recurrence of these accidents demonstrates the need to strengthen prevention and control mechanisms for the transport of chemical products, while ensuring better support for affected communities.
Emergency Measures Requested
Citizen organizations are calling on the authorities to immediately secure the affected area, assess the extent of the contamination and temporarily prohibit any use of the waters of the Dipeta River until the results of the analyses are published.
They are also calling for the strengthening of safety standards applicable to the transport of hazardous substances in order to reduce the risk of similar accidents.
A Challenge for the Mining Industry
This incident is a reminder that the development of the mining industry must be accompanied by high environmental protection requirements. In a province that represents the heart of Congolese copper and cobalt production, preventing pollution remains a major challenge for preserving ecosystems and maintaining the trust of local communities.
The results of the investigations will make it possible to determine responsibilities and guide the necessary measures to prevent such accidents from happening again.
MB – Actualite.cd
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