Kabwe Scoping and Design Study

The Copperbelt Environment Project will implement a set of remediation measures to address the impacts of lead on the environment and particularly the health of children. Given the complexity of the problem, the Project has since commenced the Kabwe Scoping and Design Study to assist in determining the extent of the problem and design mitigation measures that will address the environmental degradation. More specifically the Kabwe Scoping and Design study will:

• Define the extent and magnitude of contamination by lead and other mining toxins
• Determine the sources and pathways of human exposure
• Design a plan to reduce human exposure and limit levels of lead in blood.

The study that is almost complete, undertook a detailed analysis of extent of the contamination through the analysis of soil, air quality, surface and ground water, crops, natural vegetation and biota. A comprehensive human blood survey involving a total of 2 373 people across all ages was undertaken. Out of this sample, 1342 were children below 7.

The Kabwe Risk Communication Program    [Download PDF Report]

Parallel to this study, the Copperbelt Environment Project is implementing a comprehensive Risk Communication program and other associated development programs. Through this programme a detailed Knowledge Attitude Practise and Beliefs (KAPB) survey was done in 2003 to determine the level of awareness, what behaviours to target for change and develop effective communication strategies. The study also gave an in-depth understanding of the major barriers to successful implementation of the programme such as limited access to water; a basic need and prerequisite to hygiene.

The Project has since its inception being implementing an intensive community outreach program aimed at raising awareness as well as providing simple messages on how to avoid lead exposure. This programme also includes the establishment of community institutional framework based on the existing Local government system. Working closely with the Local Authority, 10 community development staff have been attached to the Project, and a Community Facilitator model, where community facilitators or volunteers from each project area are closely involved in the project implementation. The community facilitators who have been trained in participatory development and lead education also serve as link between the Project and the communities.

The Kabwe Lead education Program is also being implemented in the Schools, where the Project is working closely with the Ministry of Education to raise awareness of the more than 20 000 children in the areas significantly polluted with lead. Through this program, a localized curriculum on lead and the environment is being developed and will be used in the school system. This Programme will also include the promotion of lead safe environment through the Green is Clean campaign that is promoting planting of grass as a means to abate lead exposure through soil and dust.

A detailed Integrated Case Management Programme (ICM) has also been developed and is being implemented for purposes of reducing the elevated blood leads in children. Presently the ICM is targeting children found with elevated blood leads during the Kabwe Scoping and Design blood lead survey. A total of 160 children with blood leads above 45 ug/dl are targeted for household ICM program. Out of these 38 children with blood leads above 70 ug/dl are already on the programme and the Project will continue to scale up the number of children under the ICM.

In support of all these efforts, the Project has also embarked on a Water Project to address the critical shortage of water. Inadequate access to water was identified as a critical barrier to behaviour modification as all positive behaviours require water. The project is also developing play areas and parks to provide safer (from lead exposure) play areas for young children across all impacted communities.