LUSAKA, 6th June, 2024
The Environmental Assessment Committee of ZEMA’s 5th Board has in its April and May 2024 assessments approved a total of 207 projects with a total investment value of about US$965 Million.
In a statement today, ZEMA Director General Eng. Godfrey Mwiinga said this brings the total projects approved in 2024 to 452 with a total investment value of about US$ 2.0 Billion.
Eng. Mwiinga underscored that all the approved projects are required to commence within three (3) years to maintain the validity of ZEMA approvals.
He explained that among the 207 projects approved, are five (5) Solar energy projects with a total capacity of 270 MW and cost of US$ 150 million, and Six (6) Dam projects with a combined capacity of 16 million cubic meters (m3) and cost of US$ 504 Million.
Eng. Mwiinga stated that ZEMA remains cognizant of the need to respond to the presidential directive to expedite the assessment of energy and water harvesting projects in view of the drought situation that has adversely affected power supply and agriculture.
He added that both solar energy and dam projects will in the long run help to mitigate the adverse effects of droughts.
And Eng. Mwiinga reminded developers to adhere to the provisions of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 and engage ZEMA for guidance when preparing their projects for assessment.
He said most importantly once developers obtain ZEMA approval, it is imperative that they ensure compliance to the conditions.
“ZEMA is legally mandated to withdraw its approval where conditions are not adhered to during implementation of projects or operations of the commissioned facilities or infrastructure.” Eng. Mwiinga said
