Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Government has revealed that the process of strengthening Zambia environmental management agency’s mandate by amending the environmental management act and other related laws such as the environmental impact assessment regulations to ensure that existing gaps and concerns from stakeholders are addressed.
Speaking when he officiated at the anti-corruption sensitization workshop for ZEMA inspectors in Lusaka this morning, minister of green economy and environment, Collins Nzovu says this will further make the law more efficient and meet the country’s aspirations.
The Minister has pointed out that the government has also proposed the reduction of statutory review fees for the EIA process as well as the period it takes to review and make decisions in a bid to support and medium scale business to flourish and ensure growth of the economy.
He says to ensure professionalism in the sector, the ministry has also proposed amendments with regards to registration and regulation of environmental consultants.
The Minister said he is are aware that they are some bad eggs in the system who take advantage of their clients hence want to sanitize the sector by introducing registration and strict regulations for all environmental consultants.
Mr Nzovu also noted that while the ZEMA follows what is provided for in the law when giving the environmental impact assessment -eia reports to developers there is a belief that the agency delays in giving these reports.
Speaking at the same event ACC senior community education officer Rebecca Mulengwa noted that without fighting corruption the economy can bit develop.
And in his opening remarks ZEMA acting director general, Simon Mwansa said the management believes that the anti-corruption sensitization will greatly contribute to the institution’s transparency and accountability in line with the UPND administration.