An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Government Policy on Mining in Managing Lead Poisoning: A Case of Kabwe District

Lead mining in Kabwe started around 1904 and continued until June 1964 when the mine was temporally shut down. Over the years, the mine has changed ownership several times. The study was conducted to assess awareness campaigns put in place by government regarding lead poisoning. The study was informed by the following objectives: to assess awareness campaigns put in place by government regarding lead poisoning effects in Kabwe District; to determine the effectiveness of government funding in lead poisoning remediation; to assert effectiveness of the mine and mineral environment policy on decommissioned dumps and to identify limitations in the mining management of dumps. The study adopted a descriptive design and targeted residents, council officers and WARMA, health personnel and staff from ministry of green economy. The study has revealed a significantly low level of knowledge in lead precautionary measures. The study has revealed that the government has been doing its best in ensuring that people are sensitized and moved out such places, however, some members of the community indicated that the effort from the government is not enough there is need to increase the funding so that the effectiveness of the policy and measure the government has put in place can effectively perform their intended purposes. Despite the efforts from the government, the implementation of the policy has come with some limitation and among the common limitation are resistance from community members to move out of the areas affected by lead and limited funding among others. The study has recommended that Kabwe District Municipal Council should stop giving out plots in high lead exposure areas without putting in place measures that prevent lead poisoning.