LUSAKA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's environmental regulator said on Wednesday that it has relaxed requirements in approving projects for electricity generation and water harvesting, as the drought has affected electricity generation and water resources.
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) revealed in a statement that it would be granting approvals in principle with the necessary conditions for electricity generation and water harvesting projects to allow for critical interventions into the energy crisis.
Godfrey Mwiinga, director-general of the agency, said that environmental impact assessment is a critical tool to ensure that the negative impacts of proposed projects on the environment are addressed.
The emergency situation has called for the need to restructure the process of granting environmental clearance to prevent delays in critical interventions, he noted.
"Despite the urgency, it remains essential for ZEMA to uphold environmental safeguards to mitigate harmful impacts and also ensure that the effects of the drought are not exacerbated," Mwiinga said.
According to the director-general, the environment and management of natural resources have taken a major hit due to the disaster and emergency situation.
He added that the agency is committed to upholding environmental safeguards and ensuring that the effects of the drought are not exacerbated. ■