Sambia: Young people stand up against lead reduction
Kabwe is considered one of the most poisonous places in the world - the reason: a hundred years of lead reduction. Many of the 200,000 inhabitants have high lead values in the blood, which can lead to loss of memory, infertility and developmental delays, among other things. In the interview, Natalie (18) and Caleb (22) talk about life in a poisoned city, about excuses by politicians and their wishes for future generations.
There is lead in the ground in Kabwes, in the water and in the blood of the residents, even though the mine was closed in 1994. What has been done against the city's poisoning since then?
Natalie: There are many people who comment on the subject, but little happens.
Caleb: If you know the people who could do something but do nothing, that's very painful. We come with strategic measures - the politicians answer excuses. Natalie had participated in a round table. Then it was said that Kabwe should become a green city. At the latest in July 2023, the cleaning work should start to remove the contaminated earth. Nothing has happened to this day. If the politicians keep keeping meetings and the problem does not even begin to tackle, we become a museum of meetings. We sit in Kabwe on a ticking time bomb. How long should it go on?
Natalie: If children have too high lead values in their blood, they get medication. Some of them may not go to school because many schoolyards are also contaminated. They miss important learning material. And after the treatment, they are exposed to poison again.
Caleb: I also found too high values. I was seven there. I was able to go to school, but after school I was not allowed to play on the street with my friends for a year. Then the values got better and we moved - into a less contaminated quarter.
Nevertheless, lead continues.
Caleb: There is too little work in Kabwe. That is why young people in particular, but also mothers, dash lead. They also break down zinc, cobalt and dolomite. Dolomit is used for building. The stones are contaminated and bring new lead to the residential areas. The mines work without protection. They also carry the toxic dust into the city in their clothes. We try to talk to you about the poison and learn how to think about other job opportunities. But many are hostile to us. During one of our visits, they threatened to throw stones. They are afraid that the mines will be closed and that they will no longer have income.
In October 2020, lawyers submitted a lawsuit against Anglo American South Africa on behalf of over 100,000 children and women. The Group in Kabwe operated the world's largest bleims for many years. Among other things, the group calls for the renovation of the contaminated areas. The procedure has not yet ended. Nevertheless, the question: What does it mean for Kabwe?
Natalie: It brings the chance of justice for so many children, mothers, parents who are affected. How much did the people in Kabwe suffer in silence. And now the procedure bears its votes to the public.
As members of Environment Africa, explains the danger that runs out of lead. How do you do that?
Natalie: Many people are not aware of the danger. That is why we distribute flyers and inform about how to protect yourself from poisonous lead dust. We organize workshops and go to schools. Lead poisoning is a huge environmental problem, but not the only one: Deforestation and the lack of waste disposal systems also put a lot of strain on our environment. The garbage lies around everywhere and clogs sewer. This worsens the floods in heavy rain, which as a result of climate change occurs more and more - as well as Dürren.
What is your wish for future generations?
Natalie: In the Kabwe Youth Network I saw what we can achieve together. I would be happy if more young people became part of the change. I expect our politicians to integrate children and young people into the decision -making processes. Young people have so many ideas, so many skills, but they hardly get the chance to get involved.
Caleb: My hope for the future generation is that it can live in an environment that does not threaten human life. I don't want future generations to be confronted with these devastating effects of lead. I would also like to see that more young people give something back to the environment and recognize the fact that we only have one earth. If we don't treat you with respect, we will die out.