CARITAS Zambia Chingola Coordinator Eugene Mulenga has emphasised the need for proper town planning to safeguard water sources, the environment, and food security in the district.
Mr. Mulenga said it is critical for local authorities to ensure that industries are established only in areas designated for industrial activity, warning that poor planning often leads to pollution of vital water bodies. He noted that rivers and underground water sources provide drinking water for communities and support aquatic life, which many residents rely on for food and livelihoods.
He explained that pollution of these water sources poses serious health risks, as communities draw drinking water from rivers and underground systems that are often interconnected.
Mr. Mulenga further urged local authorities to improve land allocation practices for investors, cautioning that current approaches are increasingly disadvantaging farmers. He expressed concern that productive agricultural land is being converted into sites for processing plants and other developments that are incompatible with farming.
He warned that encroachment on farming areas threatens food security, particularly at a time when Zambia is promoting economic diversification from mining to agriculture. Mr. Mulenga said failure to protect farming zones could expose communities to hunger and economic instability.
He also highlighted the environmental impact of mining activities, noting that extensive tree cutting contributes to land degradation and soil erosion, further undermining sustainable development and long-term environmental protection.
