Coal residues allegedly polluteriver, rice fields in Karonga

Kilupula Area Development Committee chairperson Kingdom Malanga in Karonga District has expressed concern over coal residues from Coal Mining Group (CMG) that have allegedly polluted Kasantha River in the area. In an interview on Saturday, he said the water in the river which is used for domestic chores as well as for domestic animals, has turned black while coal dust has damaged rice and cassava fields. “The condition of the water is bad such that we cannot use it for domestic purposes or to irrigate crops,” he said.

Karonga North legislator Mungasulwa Mwambande (Malawi Congress Party) said the problem requires collaborative efforts from traditional and elected leaders, Karonga District Council and the investor. A video clip of the situation in the river showing black water went viral last week, prompting Karonga district commissioner Willard Mwambo on an impromptu inspection tour on Friday with the district coordinating team on water, sanitation and hygiene to appreciate the gravity of the pollution. The team’s preliminary report established that water in Kasantha, Kafulu and Changwina rivers is contaminated with coal.

Reads in part the report: “The team also found no precautionary measures in place, environmental and social impact assessment report was not made available despite several reminders, no latrines for the 100 personnel at the exploration site and again, there was no National Water Resources Authority certificate.” The team has since advised CMG to implement precautionary measures immediately and that there is need for a comprehensive water quality assessment of the Kasantha, Changwina and Kafulu rivers. However, CMG managing director Manowa Mkandawire said his company takes environmental stewardship and community welfare seriously. “We are aware of the concerns being raised by the community members regarding Kasantha River and surrounding farmland. At this stage, we have initiated a thorough assessment to better understand the situation and establish the facts,” he said