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In an effort aimed at protecting the nation’s environment in a way which promote sustainability and development, Cabinet considered and approved the Principles for the Amendment of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has said.
Speaking during a post Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the proposed amendments will align the act to the Constitution.
“The proposed amendments will align the Act to the Constitution and strengthen the Act by providing for the comprehensive protection of the countrys environment in a manner that ensures sustainable development,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Cognizant that environmental issues have taken centre stage nationally and internationally, she highlighted, the amendments will also harmonise the Act with the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act as well as regional and international treaties and conventions which Zimbabwe is party to.
The minister said the proposed amendments touch on a plethora of aspects.
“Highlights of the amendments include the following: incorporation of the principles of good corporate governance in the appointment of the Environmental Management Agencys Director-General and Board taking into account regional and gender balance;
“They include imposition of deterrent penalties for non-compliance with orders issued by EMA officers or inspectors, including civil penalties in addition to the criminal sanctions.”
The highlights of the amendments also include compelling of all businesses operating in an area where there is no existing sewerage system to install an effluent pre-treatment facility.
“Penalties and minimum mandatory sentences will be imposed on repeat offenders for failure to comply with the prohibition of discharging hazardous substances, chemicals and materials or oil into the environment.
“Undertakers of projects whose effects outlive the project lifespan will be required to submit Environmental Decommissioning Plans, which will ensure that the projects sites are rehabilitated to restore or reclaim the project areas, making them suitable for other activities upon decommissioning of the plant,” she further explained.