The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, says the Agency is ready to strengthen regulations in the energy sector to enhance product safety.
Mr. Chizinga said there is a need to strengthen the regulatory framework in the energy sector through the development and enforcement of compulsory standards in a bid to enhance consumer and environment protection.
In a statement issued to RCV News by ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba, Mr. Chizinga said product safety is key to protect consumers and the environment, as well as to sustain the energy sector.
Mr. Chizinga also noted that recent reforms implemented in the energy sector in response to the drought-induced energy crisis, such as net metering, are major milestones in enhancing private sector participation in the energy sector.
He has since called for more private sector participation in the energy sector to enhance product safety.
“By leveraging the participation of the private sector, the country can accelerate the transition to enhanced use of alternative energy sources and mitigate the climate change induced energy challenges,” said Mr. Chizinga.
He said this in Lusaka on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, when ZCSA made a submission to the Parliamentary Committee being Chaired by Sesheke Member of Parliament Romeo Kang’ombe on Energy, Water Development and Tourism on the participation of the private sector in the energy sector.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kang’ombe has thanked ZCSA for appearing before the Committee and highlighted that parliament looks to technical institutions like ZCSA for guidance, especially on matters that promote consumer health, safety and environment protection.
By Margaret Mwanza
