Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has called on the Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA) to intensify its enforcement efforts to curb pollution from gold mining.
Speaking during the unveiling of the new WARMA Board in Lusaka today, Mr. Nzovu, urged the new board to ensure that the ongoing amendment of the water Resource Management Act No.21 of 2011 prioritizes harsh penalties for polluters.
Mr. Nzovu states that the board must ensure that such provisions in the act are strictly enforced to deter any would be offenders.
“The current legal framework provides for penalties, but enforcement remains weak. WARMA must become a robust regulator, not a passive observer,” said Mr. Nzovu.
He emphasized the need for the new board to champion increased deterrence through stiffer penalties, enhanced surveillance, and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal water abstraction and pollution.
Meanwhile, newly appointed WARMA Board Chairperson, John Kunda, pledged that the board will work to strengthen national preparedness by integrating resilience into the management and safeguarding of water resources.
Dr. Kunda also noted that, through the full implementation of the recently introduced Statutory Instrument on Water Harvesting, WARMA will support national efforts to improve water availability for households, agriculture, industry, and future development.
By Christabel Kamunu
