The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources (MLMR) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) have issued a joint statement regarding the wastewater discharge into the Sabeto River on 22 May 2025. The Government has reassured the public that the matter is being handled with urgency, transparency, and full regulatory oversight.

Water Quality Status

Following the incident, water sampling was carried out along the Sabeto River. Preliminary results confirm that water quality in the upper reaches of the river has returned to safe levels for all normal uses. However, officials continue to advise against consuming untreated water from the river due to livestock activity along the riverbanks.

Immediate Regulatory Action

The Ministry of Rural Development has suspended all wastewater discharge from the identified settlement pond; the confirmed source of the incident. Discharges will not resume until full compliance is demonstrated and approved under MECC’s Liquid Waste Discharge Permit requirements.

Lion One, the company involved, has accepted full responsibility and is currently implementing key corrective measures, including:

• Establishing a new pre-treatment facility
• Enhancing monitoring procedures
• Strengthening community engagement

Ongoing Investigation and Monitoring

A full-scale investigation is currently underway, involving:

• Sampling and system inspections
• Staff interviews
• Technical assessment of discharge infrastructure

Additionally, joint environmental audits will be conducted over the next six months to ensure sustained improvements in environmental performance and regulatory compliance.

A comprehensive final report will be released once all assessments are complete.

The Government expressed appreciation to local communities for their patience and cooperation during this process.