ZEMA CONTINUES TO RECORD AN INCREASE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
The August sitting of the Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) of the ZEMA Board considered a record monthly of 125 projects, with a total investment cost of value US$563 million.
In a statement today, ZEMA Director General Eng. Godfrey Mwiinga said mining and mineral processing continues to lead in number with 64 Projects.
Eng. Mwiinga noted that the infrastructure development and Energy sectors were second (22 projects) and third (21 projects), respectively.
He said in terms of investment cost, the Manufacturing and Processing had the highest investment value of US$347 million from only 16 Projects.
Eng. Mwiinga stated that the Energy was second at US$147 Million, with Mining and Mineral Processing third at US$ 38 million.
And in response to the current Energy Crisis, Eng. Mwiinga said there were four (4) Solar Power projects considered and approved with a combined capacity of 100 MW.
He said ZEMA has also approved the construction of two power Transmission and Distribution lines by ZESCO Limited.
Eng. Mwiinga revealed that ZEMA has now processed a total of 816 projects (808 approvals, 8 rejections) from January to August 2024, compared to 642 projects (623 approvals, 19 rejections) over the same period in 2023.
He said the total investment costs of approved projects from January to August 2024 is now US$ 4.25 billion, while over the same period in 2023, it was US$2.5 Billion.
Eng. Mwiinga said the increase in the number of environmental assessments indicate that there is a growing demand for environmental services in the country.
And Eng. Mwiinga has called on all developers to also exercise self-regulation by conducting self-compliance monitoring, and environmental audits.
He said the general public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any environmental violations or concerns to ZEMA.
“In response, ZEMA is delighted to announce that the Agency will be opening up offices in Central and Luapula Provinces so as to increase our geographical presence. The Agency has also recruited Honorary Inspectors to strengthen compliance monitoring and enforcement. Furthermore, to enhance service delivery, ZEMA has digitized its processes through the e-ZEMA and the Government Service Bus (GSB) online platforms. “ Eng. Mwiinga said
