Truck overturns in Kitwe spilling..

By ALEX NJOVU

 
A TRUCK carrying acid on Sunday overturned on the Kitwe-Mufulira road, spilling its contents into the Kafue River.
Nkana Water and Sewerage Company spokesperson Damaseke Chibale and Copperbelt police commanding officer Antonneil Mutentwa confirmed the accident that happened around 11:30 hours.
Mr Chibale said the company was forced to shut down its two water treatment plants to enable officials to assess acid levels in the water.
“The plants that we shut down are Bulangililo water treatment plant and the Kafue River water treatment plant,” Mr Chibale said.
He said the firm disconnected water supply to Kitwe and Kalulushi and that people started receiving water after it concluded its investigations.
Mr Chibale said the company wanted to make sure that the water it supplied to the public was safe.
“We would like to assure the public that the water they are drinking is safe,” Mr Chibale said.
And Mr Mutentwa said the accident happened after the driver of the truck attempted to avoid a truck that had developed a mechanical fault on the road.
He said the driver escaped unhurt.
Mr Mutentwa appealed to members of the public to desist from eating fish that may die as a result of the poisoned water.