The Action Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has cautioned against threats to dissolve the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) over mining pollution, saying regulatory institutions should be empowered rather than undermined.
The institute was reacting to reports attributed to Green Economy and Environment Minister Gilbert Siame suggesting that ZEMA could be dissolved if it failed to prevent mining pollution.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, AIPAC Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, said the institute appreciated the minister’s concern over environmental degradation but was worried by the remarks attributed to him.
“While AIPAC appreciates the Minister’s concern over environmental degradation and the need for stronger environmental protection, we are somewhat taken aback by such remarks. We sincerely hope the statement was made in frustration over pollution concerns and not as a serious policy position,” Ngoma said.
He said ZEMA’s performance should be assessed in the context of the operating environment in which regulators worked.
Ngoma said ZEMA was a capable institution with qualified professionals who could effectively execute its mandate if allowed to operate independently, professionally and without undue pressure or threats.
“We also wish to advise the newly appointed ZEMA Board to remain firmly within its statutory mandate and avoid encroaching on the responsibilities of management. Good governance requires a clear separation between policy oversight and day-to-day operations,” he said.
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Ngoma said regulatory institutions thrived when empowered and supported, urging ZEMA to uphold corporate governance principles in its oversight role.
He said the board should provide strategic direction while allowing management to perform its professional duties without interference.
Ngoma also raised concerns over reports that some ZEMA directors had been placed on administrative leave, calling for due process.
“While we respect the authority of relevant institutions to make administrative decisions, we trust that any such actions are being undertaken in the best interests of the nation, in accordance with the law, and devoid of political considerations,” he said.
Ngoma urged Siame to undertake a comprehensive review of the ministry and the broader environmental governance framework.
“Environmental challenges cannot be attributed to one institution alone. Effective environmental protection requires collaboration, policy consistency, adequate resources, political will and institutional independence,” he said.
He also appealed to public officials appointed by the president to faithfully implement government policy and avoid abusing or misrepresenting presidential directives.
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