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The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 207 projects with a total investment value of approximately US$965 million.
This brings the total number of projects approved in 2024 to 452, with a combined investment value of about US$2 billion, according to Godfrey Mwiinga, ZEMA Director-General.
Announcing the approvals in Lusaka on Thursday, Mwiinga noted that all approved projects must commence within three years to maintain their validity.
“Among the 207 approved projects are five solar energy projects with a total capacity of 270 MW, costing US$150 million and six dam projects with a combined capacity of 16 million cubic meters, costing US$504 million,” he highlighted.
Mwiinga said ZEMA was committed to responding to the presidential directive to expedite the assessment of energy and water harvesting projects, particularly in light of the drought situation that had adversely affected power supply and agriculture.
“Both the solar energy and dam projects will help mitigate the adverse effects of droughts in the long run,” he stated.
Mwiinga reminded developers to adhere to the provisions of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 and to engage ZEMA for guidance when preparing their projects for assessment.
He stressed the importance of compliance once developers obtain ZEMA approval, noting that ZEMA is legally mandated to withdraw its approval if conditions are not met during the implementation or operation of the projects.
“ZEMA is legally mandated to withdraw its approval where conditions are not adhered to during the implementation of projects or operations of the commissioned facilities or infrastructure,” he said.
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