The Environmental Assessment Committee of ZEMA’s 5th Board has in its April and May 2024 assessments, approved a total of 207 projects with a total investment value of about $965 Million.
This brings the total projects approved in 2024 to 452 with a total investment value of about $ 2 Billion.
ZEMA Director General Godfrey Mwiinga says all the approved projects are required to commence within 3 years to maintain the validity of ZEMA approvals.
“Among the 207 projects approved, are 5 Solar energy projects with a total capacity of 270 MW and cost of $150 million, and 6 Dam projects with a combined capacity of 16 million cubic meters at a cost of $504 Million,” said Mr. Mwiinga in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Mwiinga said that he is aware of the need to respond to the presidential directive to speed up the assessment of energy and water harvesting projects, in view of the drought situation that has affected power supply and agriculture.
He said solar energy and dam projects will in the long run help to mitigate the adverse effects of the drought.
And Mr. Mwiinga has reminded developers to adhere to the provisions of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 and engage ZEMA for guidance when preparing their projects for assessment.
By Chimba Chilopa
