ZEMA to Grant Approval in Principle for Electricity Generation, Water Harvesting Projects
Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) says it will be granting approval in principle for electricity generation and water harvesting projects aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of the drought.
Agency Director General, Engineer Godfrey Mwiinga observed that following the declaration of drought as a national disaster and emergency early this year, there has been urgent need to develop and implement projects in the water and energy sectors aimed at contributing towards mitigating related crises.
Engineer Mwiinga noted that the Environmental Impact Assessment is a critical tool for ensuring that the potentially negative impacts of proposed projects on the environment are foreseen and addressed at an early stage.
He however said the emergency situation has necessitated the need to restructure the process for granting environmental clearance to prevent delays in critical interventions.
“Disaster and emergency situations have a significant impact on the environment and management of natural resources. Therefore, environmental emergency readiness and response has become essential in proactively addressing environmental impacts associated with disaster and emergency situations.”
“The declaration of the emergency called upon ZEMA to heighten its regulatory oversight and safeguard the environment and human health, while promoting the development and implementation of projects that are aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of the drought,” Engineer Mwiinga noted.
He pointed out that despite the urgency, it is important for the Agency to uphold environmental safeguards to mitigate harmful impacts and also ensure that the effects of the drought are not exacerbated.
“ZEMA will therefore be granting approvals in principle, with the necessary conditions, for electricity generation and water harvesting projects to allow for critical interventions to the energy crisis,” he asserted.
Engineer Mwiinga also emphasized that developers are still required to submit their respective applications in line with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.
“ZEMA remains committed to upholding environmental safeguards and also ensuring that the effects of the drought on the environment are not exacerbated.”
“Developers are therefore encouraged to engage ZEMA in their project development process and seek appropriate guidance early enough,” Engineer Mwiinga added.
