By CHATULA KAMPO –

A truck carrying 28, 000 liters of sulfuric acid destined for Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has over turned, spilling the commodity into a stream that eventually pours into the Kafue River in Mufulira.
The truck belonging to Gomes Haulage of Ndola overturned after the driver failed to negotiate a corner on the Mufulira–Sabina Road due to speeding.
Mufurila District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe confirmed the incident in an interview yesterday and said it happened on Thursday around 14:00 hours.
Mr Kabwe said the stream that flows into the Kafue River and part of the land was polluted with sulfuric acid, a dangerous chemical capable of killing human lives and other living organisms.
He said the Volvo truck and trailer ACK 5984 ACM 8065T was used to export the sulfuric acid from Mopani Copper Mines to DRC through the Sakanya border post.
“The river that Mulonga Water and Nkana Water pump water from was polluted. The fish in the river died and the plants around the scene of the accident were damaged,” he said
Mr Kabwe, however, said the sulfuric acid in the river was neutralised with the help of Mopani Mine and Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company and that the water was now safe for drinking and domestic use.
“Immediately after the accident, Mopani and Mulonga Water came in to control the situation before any human life could be lost. The acid in the stream was neutralised and the water is now safe.  We also spread lime on the land that was polluted,” he said.
The DC commended the two companies for the quick response in attending to the situation and urged other companies to emulate them.