VIOLET MENGO, Lusaka
THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and the Zambia Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate enhanced efficiency in the management of environmental impact of energy.
ERB executive director Langiwe Lungu said during the signing ceremony that the board observed gaps in the regulatory framework which she hopes the MoU will address.
Ms Lungu said the MoU will among other things collaborate construction of energy infrastructure.
“This has been a major problem on energy infrastructure development with the ERB only being alerted or involved in the process upon completion of works by the developer,” Ms Lungu said.
She said one of the key issues under the MoU will be the development of common guidelines for the construction of energy infrastructure in the country.
The two agencies will also collaborate in emergence response to accidents.
“Another important area of collaboration under the MoU is the inclusion of the ERB in the environmental impact assessment project review committee,” she said.
Ms Lungu said the MoU is meant to enhance collaboration and enforcement of regulation in the energy sector.
And ZEMA acting director general Maxwell Nkoya said the MoU will enhance production, transportation, conversion and supply of energy as these have potential risks to the environment and human health.
Meanwhile, SYLVES TER CHISHIMBA reports that the ERB has intercepted 13 fuel tankers on the Lusaka-Kabwe road for breach of safety requirements.
ERB public relations manager Kwali Mfuni said in a statement issued on Friday that a joint inspection conducted with the Zambia Weights and Measures Agency (ZWMA), Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) intercepted 10 local and three foreign tankers.
“The common faults discovered on the local fuel tankers were expired fire extinguishers, use of re-treaded tyres and altered assize certificates among others.”