(Ecofin Agency) - Towards mitigating the impact of plumb poisoning in Kabwe, Chingola and Mufulira in Zambia, the World Bank has disbursed $30 million for Zambia.

Lasting five years and taking place in three stages, the scheme dedicated to this end is led by the Ministry of health and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH).

Starting from June, an awareness-raising campaign will be initiated for the benefit of communities. The program includes the identification of severe poisoning cases in children, purification of environment (parks, draining canals and drinking water supply systems).

Participating to the program are the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JIICA), the ministry of mining and the emergency management cell which is under the Vice-president’s office.  .

In Kabwe, the average concentration of plumb in children is 5 to 10 times greater than the tolerance level set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Stéphanie C. Tohon