Commentary, 14th – 21st August, 09

The Environmental Council of Zambia should as a matter of urgency compel the cement companies based in Ndola to manage the cement dust currently engulfing the town to avoid damage to property and human health. In the past four months, industrial activity by Lafarge Cement, Ndola Lime and the soon to be commissioned Zambezi Portland has increased resulting in environmental damage to surrounding areas.

For many years now, Ndola residents have endured hardships trying to cop with the polluted environment and authorities have not paid reasonable attention. The ECZ may explain that the cement dust does not qualify as a toxic substance but inhaling it for prolonged periods may still be dangerous. It is now reported that the dust in Ndola and industrial areas has increased causing so much damage to property such as machinery and vehicles.

One of the manufacturing companies, Zambian Breweries Group for example, will not recycle a number of bottles as the machines cannot clean them. The dust tends to harden immediately it settles on hard surfaces and becomes concrete. The challenge is on car owners who may soon experience damage to their cars. The potential losses to businesses and households are enormous.

While investments in such places as Ndola are appreciated at this stage of economic growth, it is important environmental standards be adhered to. The cost-benefit analysis shows that the benefits of these investments are outweighed by the huge costs to hundreds of other businesses and households. The ECZ should therefore, compel the cement producing companies to install electro-filters that should prevent the dust from entering the atmosphere.

It should further be investigated about the possibilities that the dust emitted by the factories is toxic, or that the equipment used is obsolete. There is further need to carry out a thorough analysis of the damage caused by the pollution spewing out of the factories.