ECZ approves 12 projects

ECZ approves 12 projects
By Chibaula Silwamba
Friday October 19, 2007 [04:00]

THE Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ) has approved 12 projects to start operations in various parts of the country. But the ECZ has rejected True Companion Steel Company’s proposal to establish a steel bar production plant in Lusaka.

According to a statement issued by ECZ public relations officer Justin Mukosa in Lusaka yesterday, the ECZ approved the proposals of the 12 projects on conditions that they comply with the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) reports they had submitted to the ECZ.

“Based on the information provided for the developments, site verification inspection findings and input from authorised agencies, ECZ has approved 12 projects and rejected one,” Mukosa stated.

He stated that among those approved is the proposed Kaputa Bio Gasifier in Kaputa by the Ministry of Energy and Water Development.

“The biomass gasification plant is designed for 1, 000 kW output compared to the existing 500kW output from the current diesel generator. The gasifiers will have the capacity of multi-fuel option to provide flexibility in using agro residues or forest residues as fuel,” Mukosa stated.

He added that ECZ had also approved the proposed Ndola training centre bio gasifier project in Ndola under the Ministry of Energy and Water Development.

Mukosa stated that the ECZ had also approved a bulk emulsion manufacturing plant facility by Bulk Mining Explosives Zambia Limited at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi.

“The proposed site for the bulk emulsion manufacturing plant is part of a waste rock dump owned by Kansanshi Mining Plc. ECZ has approved the project subject to conditions, among which are:

bulk mining explosives Zambia Limited shall not discharge effluent from the plant to Kansanshi dambo, shall ensure no oil spills occur during construction to prevent pollution of environment, shall construct sumps and bund walls around the plant effluent is contained and recycled back into the process,” Mukosa stated.

Mukosa stated that the ECZ also approved Grain Storage Solutions’ proposal to construct storage facility for agricultural commodities in Lusaka, K and K Property Development Limited’s proposed new clusters development in Lusaka and Kembe Cold Storage Company’s proposed construction and operation of Kembe abattoir in Monze.


Mukosa further stated that others that had been approved were Mana/Leanne Investments’ proposed manufacture of Foam Mattresses and various plastic products, First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited’s proposed housing estate in Ndola and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA)’s proposed electrification of Chipapa Basic and local court in Kafue and electrification of Machiya Basic School and rural health center and government offices in Mpongwe district on the Copperbelt.

He said the ECZ had approved African Explosives Limited Zambia Plc’s proposed bulk emulsion plant upgrade and Nina Fishing Camp’s Nina fishing camp in Sesheke.

Mukosa said True Companion Steel Company Limited’s proposal to establish a steel bar production plant had been rejected.

“ECZ has rejected the project because the proposed project site borders the Zesco Coventry Power substation and is within the way leave of a Zesco high voltage power line; this poses a risk to the Coventry substation which supplies power to a large part of Lusaka city. True Companion Steel Company Limited is advised to find an alternative site,” stated Mukosa.