ZEMA claims 128 projects approved under new environmental management regulations

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) says it has approved 128 projects following the introduction of the new Environmental Management Regulations under Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026.

This was during the first ordinary meeting of the Environmental Assessments Committee of the 6th Board, held on January 29, 2026, according to ZEMA Manager Corporate Affairs, Ruth Kanyanga-Kamwi.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Kamwi clarified that the new regulations related to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

She said the approved projects cut across several key sectors of the economy and include the construction of eight incinerator buildings for the Ministry of Health, which are expected to enhance the management of medical waste.

“The incinerators are funded by the Global Fund through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS),” she said.

Read More: ZEMA says environmental impact assessments costs, timelines cut in major push for sustainable development

Additionally, the Committee approved the rehabilitation of the Muzuma Dam in Choma District by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation.

Kamwi explained that the dam, which was constructed in the 1960s, had suffered from heavy siltation and deterioration of its spillway structures, necessitating rehabilitation to restore and sustain its water supply and irrigation functions.

“By sector, the Committee considered 58 Mining and Mineral Processing, 25 Manufacturing and Processing, 23 Infrastructure Development, 18 Energy, 3 Agriculture and Forestry, and 1 Tourism,” she said.

Out of all the projects reviewed, four were rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the Environmental Management Act.

Kamwi emphasized that ZEMA remained committed to reviewing and considering projects within the revised statutory timelines to prevent delays and support smooth project implementation in line with environmentally sustainable development goals.

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