CITIZENS should take a leading role in stopping pollution of water bodies with the view to promote economic diversification and food security, UPND Bwengwa Constituency Member of Parliament Kasauto Michelo has said.
Mr. Michelo who is also chairperson of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, lands and national resources told The Scoop that Zambia needs healthy water bodies in a bid to attain sustainable development goal (SDG) number 14 that seeks to conserve and promote sustainably use the oceans, seas and all other water resources.
He said that healthy water bodies are essential to human existence hence the reason why practices such as mining that contribute to the acidification of water bodies need to be done in a more sustainable manner.
He said that attainment of SDG 14 and all other SDGs in the remaining 7 years calls for effective engagements among MPs that would help raise awareness on the importance of attainment of these SDGs.
“A number of human activities have continued to contribute to water pollution. An example is the mining activities happening on the Copperbelt mining activities should be done in a most sustainable manner to avoid pollution of rivers and all other water bodies. We needed to be more responsible as citizens as that would help in ensuring healthy fish species under water thereby ensure food security on the land for human life,” Mr. Michelo said.
“As we have remained with only 7 years to actualize SDG 14 and all other SDGs from 1-17 it is important MPs, NGOs and all other major stakeholders ensure effective collaborations and engagements on how best the goals could be attained. engagements would help raise awareness even down to ordinary citizens and that is where we will also ensure everyone plays a role towards attaining SDG 14 for example and avoid practices contributing to water pollution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Environmentalist Charles Kunda noted the need for the Government to redefine water policies and integrate water programs into a country’s cultures and values.
Mr. Kunda added that under increasing threats of water contamination, the Government should strengthen efforts to provide adequate water services for citizens.