The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources (MLMR) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) have recently addressed a wastewater discharge incident into the Sabeto River that occurred on May 22, 2025. The situation is being treated with urgency and transparency as the government emphasizes full regulatory oversight.
Initial water quality assessments indicate that the upper parts of the Sabeto River have returned to safe levels, allowing for normal usage. However, authorities continue to advise against consuming untreated water from the river due to potential contamination from livestock in the vicinity.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Rural Development has suspended all wastewater discharges from the implicated settlement pond—the source of the pollution—until Lion One Metals demonstrates compliance with MECC’s Liquid Waste Discharge Permit conditions. The company has accepted responsibility for the discharge and is taking corrective action, which includes establishing a new pre-treatment facility, enhancing monitoring procedures, and increasing community engagement to address local concerns.
A comprehensive investigation is currently underway, incorporating water sampling, system inspections, staff interviews, and a thorough assessment of the discharge infrastructure. Over the next six months, joint environmental audits will further ensure ongoing improvements in environmental performance and regulatory compliance.
This incident, while unfortunate, highlights the critical need for robust environmental protection and community involvement in natural resource management. There is hope that the measures being put in place by both Lion One and government agencies will foster a collaborative relationship with local communities, ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future and promoting environmental stewardship throughout the region.
Communities are encouraged by the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, which may ultimately lead to strengthened regulations that enhance both public health and ecological integrity.
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