ZEMA approves two fertilizer plants for Chilanga District, hopes for improved food security

Two organic fertilizer blending plants have been approved by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), authorities say.

ZEMA acting Director General, Maxwell Nkoya, said the decision was in accordance with the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2012 and the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 28 of 1997.

Nkoya said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday and made available to Zambia Monitor.

“The two projects are both proposed to be set up in Chilanga District of Lusaka Province by Malcut Investments Limited and Golden Horse Investments at a total cost of US$ 2 million and US$ 1million respectively,” he said.

Nkoya said the fertilizer projects are aimed at producing fertilizer from organic material such as chicken manure, vegetative waste, black soil, molasses and saw dust.

He noted that the organic fertilizer production would service local farmers and contribute towards government’s efforts to provide cheap and readily available fertilizer for the agricultural sector.

“Zambia’s economy is predominantly driven by the agriculture sector and efforts to supplement government’s initiatives have the potential to contribute to food security,” Nkoya said.

He said during the 7th Extra Ordinary and 11th Ordinary sittings of the environmental assessment committee of the board, a total of 106 projects were considered.

“The total investment value for the projects considered is over US$243,114,558.37 which is equivalent to K5,090,843,163.72,” Nkoya said.

He commended the support of the various stakeholders that participated during the environment assessment process.

Nkoya said the environmental assessment process was participatory in nature and, therefore, the decisions of the Agency were enhanced by the valuable input of the stakeholders.

“ZEMA remains devoted to public service as we manage our environment for a secured future,” he said.

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