Zambian Media Group Urges Action to Protect Rivers on World Day
World Rivers Day is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of September to raise awareness about the value of rivers and promote their stewardship.
LUSAKA, Zambia — A Zambian media network has voiced concern over the unsustainable use of the country's rivers, calling for government action as the world marks World Rivers Day, writes Winston Mwale.
The Media Network Action on Climate Change (MENACC) issued a statement Sunday highlighting threats to Zambia's waterways from human activities, including poverty, pollution, and deforestation.
The group also noted the impact of floods, droughts, and climate change on water resources.
"Allowing the country's rivers to get polluted or indeed dry up, as witnessed with some rivers like Chongwe in Lusaka, Lufupa in North Western Province and Magoye in Southern Province ... will be a major social and economic catastrophe," said Kennedy Phiri, MENACC's executive coordinator.
The organization urged the government to address these issues and enforce existing laws to curb unsustainable practices along major rivers such as the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa.
MENACC emphasized the relevance of this year's World Rivers Day theme, "Waterways for a Sustainable Future," particularly in light of the recent drought that has strained the country's water resources and led to extended power cuts.
"The drought witnessed in the 2023/2024 farming season has placed an added strain on the country's rivers and negatively impacted economic activities," Phiri stated.
The media network called on the government to use World Rivers Day as an opportunity to educate communities living near water bodies about the importance of sustainable use of these natural resources.
World Rivers Day is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of September to raise awareness about the value of rivers and promote their stewardship.