ZEMA moves to expedite processes for granting energy, water projects approvals

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has announced that it will grant conditional approvals for electricity generation and water harvesting projects, in light of the ongoing drought crisis affecting the country.

ZEMA Director General, Godfrey Mwiinga, explained that the agency was streamlining its approval process for these essential projects to ensure that critical interventions were not delayed.

However, Mwiinga stated that maintaining environmental protections remained a priority to prevent further worsening of the drought’s effects.

“The emergency situation caused by the drought has necessitated that ZEMA act swiftly in approving electricity generation and water harvesting projects. While we are committed to accelerating this process, it is equally important that environmental safeguards are upheld to minimize harmful impacts,” Mwiinga said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday.

He clarified that the agency would grant conditional approvals “in principle” to enable developers to proceed with their projects while ensuring they met the necessary environmental standards.

“ZEMA will 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,” Mwiinga stated.

Despite the expedited process, Mwiinga stressed that developers were still required to follow the usual application process in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.

“Developers must submit their applications as required by law, and ZEMA remains committed to upholding environmental safeguards to ensure that the drought’s effects on the environment are not exacerbated,” he noted.

Mwiinga encouraged developers to engage with ZEMA early in their project planning phases to receive the necessary guidance and avoid any delays in the approval process.

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