The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change have confirmed that a wastewater discharge incident into the Sabeto River on the 22nd of May is being handled with urgency and transparency, following public concerns.

Initial testing conducted by both agencies in the days after the incident indicates that water quality in the upper stretch of the Sabeto River has returned to safe levels for all normal uses.

However, authorities have advised against consumption of treated water sourced from the river, citing the presence of livestock activity along its banks.

The incident has been traced to a discharge from a settlement pond, which has now been suspended by the Mineral Resources Department.

This suspension will remain in effect until the operator, Lion One, demonstrates full compliance with all relevant environmental regulations.

Any future wastewater discharges will be strictly controlled under the conditions of the Environment Ministry’s Liquid Waste Discharge Permit.

In response to the incident, a joint investigation is ongoing.

It includes water sampling, system reviews, and interviews with staff.

The two ministries have also announced a series of environmental audits over the next six months aimed at enforcing improved practices and ensuring long-term compliance from the company.

Lion One, the operator responsible for the discharge, has accepted responsibility and is taking steps to address the issue.