Pollution of Congolese rivers by toxic waste from mining activity in Angola
The pollution of the waters of the Kasai basin, one of the tributaries of the Congo River, worries at the highest level. Dead fish are still floating in the river. Other environmental damage is reported in Angola and DRC. Fishing has been banned by the Inspector General of Fishing and Livestock. Willy Irshindula, governor of Kwilu, has also banned the consumption of this reddish colored water.
The Tshikapa river which has its source in the Ciçapa marshes in Lunda-Sul (Angola) a few km from the Kwango river, is also affected by pollution. The Kwilu, Fimi and Sankuru rivers are also discolored.
According to certain testimonies contained in a report by Visio Terra , it is a diamond polishing plant in Lunda Sul that has been dumping its toxic waste into this river since the end of July.
Other sources cited in the same report mention the Catoca diamond mine. It is the 4th largest in the world. Its red flows began to escape between July 20 and July 25.
A protective dike for the mine wash water retention basin has failed. This is what caused the pollution of the Lova River and adjacent areas on July 27.
The same document notes that the Luau and Camatchia- diamond mines, also in Angola, also emitted red waste into the Tshikapa River on July 15.
During Friday’s cabinet meeting, Felix Tshisekedi said the situation requires a rapid damage assessment to effectively deal with the tragedy. The President of the Republic appealed for the solidarity of the international community to come to the aid of populations in danger.
Christophe Lutundula, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs was instructed to take the necessary steps to obtain explanations from the Ambassador of Angola accredited to the DRC as to the occurrence of this situation and to consider compensation for damage caused.
