CLRI launches Investigative Journalism Project to combat water pollution
CLRI launches Investigative Journalism Project to combat water pollution
By Hellen Bwalya New Chilenje, Lusaka, Zambia
The Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) officially launched a new initiative on Wednesday in Lusaka to tackle water pollution and strengthen environmental accountability in Zambia’s mining regions through investigative journalism and legal enforcement.
CLRI Executive Director Mundia Paul Hakoola announced that the project, titled “Strengthening Environmental Accountability through Investigative Journalism and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement,” aims to benefit over 300,000 people across the Copperbelt and North-Western Province.
By uncovering facts and validating community experiences, the initiative seeks to transform lived realities into verifiable evidence that can drive policy reform and enhance water governance.
Supported by Water Witness International and the Fair Water Action Fund, the project focuses on addressing weak enforcement of environmental laws and the limited access to information currently facing mining-affected communities.
Speaking at Sherbourne Lodge, Kitwe ‘The Hub of the Copperbelt Province’ within earshot of facilitator Macphersson Mutale and CLRI Programmes Manager Edward Moonde, Hakoola emphasized that the programme will complement efforts by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) and Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS) to promote responsible mining through constructive dialogue between government institutions, civil society, and industry actors.
Addressing local journalists, Hakoola urged them to use their reporting skills to empower citizens and foster transparency, ultimately working toward a more sustainable and just future for Zambia’s water security. – Rainbow Newspaper Zambia Limited
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