Kasai River in southern DR Congo was polluted by toxic waste from a diamond mine and consequently, thousands have fallen ill and twelve people have died.
In July, local residents noted that the river's waters had turned red and dead fish were seen floating at the city of Tshikapa, near the Angolan-owned mine.
Environment Minister Eve Bazaiba said that apart from the 12 deaths, 4,502 cases of diarrhoea and skin-related illness have been recorded.
She stated, "This catastrophe was caused by an Angolan mining company, which has acknowledged the facts."
In July, the Minister linked the pollution to a spill of toxic substances by an Angolan factory specialising in industrial diamond mining.
According to local officials, the Kasai River, a major tributary to the Congo, had dead hippos.
Investigation findings indicated that four out of the five administrative territories in Kasai province have been affected.
By the time the provincial authorities banned consumption of the river water, some people had already fallen sick.
The government said, "Compensation should be paid to those who are victims, on the basis of the polluter-pays principle."
According to the government, 40 tonnes (88,000 pounds) of medication were sent to the area and the national water company is taking steps to increase supplies to those affected.
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