THE KAFUE AQUATIC WEED SPREADS TO NANZHILA RIVER

The Invasive aquatic weed, commonly known as the ‘Kafue weed’, has spread to Nanzhila river in Luchena area in chief Shezongo’s area in Itezhi tezhi district, covering 15 kilo metres of the river where it has formed a thick, impenetrable layer on the water.

This invasion is occupying a significant proportion of the river, which is also a source of portable water for about 2,002 people in the area and has potential to negatively impact on the local biodiversity, tourism, conservation and river use by livestock and fisheries.

In a report to the ordinary council meeting held in Itezhi tezhi council chamber today, Council Secretary, Cheembo Mang’watu, said the invasive aquatic weed has completely covered 15 kilo metres of the river.

Mr Mang’watu said the Kafue aquatic weed, which is spreading at an alarming rate on Nanzhila river, tributary of the Kafue river, is posing a danger as it is likely to choke the Nanzhila river life if no solution is found urgently.

“ I wish to report that a stretch of 15 kilo metres on Nanzhila river has been covered completely by the weed due to wind and soil on which people can cross on top of the river as if it is on solid ground” Mr Mang’watu said.

He said the weed has occupied some habitat for water birds and its further spread is likely to result in a collapse of the water bird population in the river.

“There is need for the Zambia Wild Life Authority (ZAWA) and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to study the weed and provide urgent solutions to the problem,” he said.

The council secretary also said he received a letter from Chief Shezongo on the problem, adding that if no intervention is made on the problem, Nanzhila river will soon be completely covered and choked.

And Luchena Ward Councilor, Munamonde Boston, said the Luchena community is requesting government for urgent intervention to deal with the fast spreading weed.

Mr Boston said the people in the area have been losing cattle and other animals on the river as they try to cross.

“The 15 kilo metres of the river that has been covered looks like its solid ground and cattle and other animals try to cross but they sink and get stuck in the weed and die,’’ he said.

He said people who are unfamiliar with the place also try to cross and at certain points manage to cross but the danger is that Nanzhila River is infested with crocodiles.