New Journalism Initiative Aims to Expose Water Pollution and Strengthen Accountability in Zambia

By Daily News Reporter 

In many mining communities across Zambia especially Copperbelt Province, water is no longer just a natural resource—it is a source of anxiety. Streams once used for drinking, farming, and daily life are increasingly threatened by pollution, leaving residents caught between economic progress and environmental survival like the incident which happened where water was polluted with chemicals.

It is against this backdrop that a new initiative has been launched to empower journalists to investigate and expose environmental injustices, while fostering collaboration between communities, government, and industry.

At the centre of this effort is the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), which has unveiled a programme focused on strengthening environmental accountability through investigative journalism and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Speaking during the launch of Investigative Environmental Journalism and Water Governance in Kitwe Copperbelt Province Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) Executive Director Mundia Paul Hakoola described the initiative as both timely and necessary, pointing to growing concerns over water pollution and weak enforcement of environmental regulations in mining-affected regions such as the Copperbelt and North-Western Province.

(CLRI Executive Director Mundia Paul Hakoola)

“These are not just environmental issues,” Hakoola said. “They affect people’s health, their livelihoods, and their dignity.”

Across these regions, communities have long raised concerns about contaminated water sources, often with limited access to reliable information or platforms to amplify their voices. While regulatory frameworks exist, gaps in enforcement and transparency have continued to undermine public confidence.

The new programme seeks to bridge that gap by equipping 25 journalists and media students with investigative reporting skills tailored to environmental issues. Participants will be supported to produce up to 10 in-depth investigative stories that bring hidden realities to light.

It is designed as a broader accountability mechanism—one that connects evidence with action. Through planned multi-stakeholder forums, the project will bring together regulators, civil society organisations, mining companies, and affected communities to engage directly on findings from investigative reports.

“Investigative journalism helps uncover the truth and validate what communities are experiencing,” he said. “But real change happens when that evidence is brought into spaces where dialogue and solutions can emerge.”  Mr. Hakoola said 

The programme is being implemented in partnership with Water Witness International, with support from the Fair Water Action Fund—organisations that share a commitment to advancing water security and environmental justice.

Government institutions, particularly the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, have also been recognised as critical partners in the initiative. Their role in strengthening compliance and promoting responsible mining practices is expected to complement the work of journalists and civil society.

For aspiring environmental reporters attending the launch, the programme represents an opportunity to do more than just tell stories—it offers a chance to make a tangible impact.

Mr Hakoola urged journalists to approach their work with professionalism, courage, and ethical responsibility, especially when dealing with complex and sensitive issues involving powerful stakeholders.

“This is about telling stories that matter,” Mr. Hakoola said. “Stories that can inform policy, empower communities, and drive meaningful change.”

The initiative is expected to reach over 300,000 people through media coverage, public engagement, and community dialogue—a scale that underscores both the urgency of the problem and the ambition of the solution.

As Zambia continues to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, the role of investigative journalism is becoming increasingly vital. By shining a light on hidden challenges and creating space for dialogue, initiatives like this could help shape a future where development does not come at the cost of clean water and community well-being.