Water quality in the Sabeto River has returned to safe levels following a wastewater discharge incident on May 22.
This confirmation was made by the ministries of Lands and Mineral Resources; and Environment and Climate Change after preliminary tests were conducted.
An unauthorised discharge from mining company, Lion One, prompted swift action by both ministries, including immediate water sampling and suspension of all liquid waste discharge activities at the site.
“While the full investigation report is still pending, preliminary test results indicate that water quality in the affected stretch of the upper Sabeto River has returned to safe levels for all normal uses,” the ministries said in a joint statement yesterday.
“However, as a precautionary measure, treated water should not be consumed due to livestock activity along riverbanks.”
As a precaution, the Mineral Resources Department has suspended all wastewater discharge.
“The resumption of any liquid waste discharge will strictly be subject to the conditions of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s liquid waste discharge permit,” they said.
Meanwhile, both ministries will jointly conduct environmental audits over the next six months to enforce long-term improvements in the company’s practices.
A full report will then be released upon the conclusion of all assessments.
Last month, authorities had requested those living near the Sabeto River not to use the water source after it was contaminated by the mining company which is located in the area.
The company admitted that water had been discharged from their containment pods and contaminated the river which resulted in dead fish and eels.
