By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Zambia Mining Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project (ZMERIP) National Coordinator Gideon Ndalama has said enhancing institutional capacity for environmental governance and compliance will strengthen the environmental governance of the mining sector.
Mr Ndalama said the project is focusing on reducing environmental health risks to the local population in critically polluted mining areas.
Speaking in Chingola today during the orietantion meeting for Chingola civic leaders, Mr Ndalama said the focused towns are Chingola, Kabwe, Kitwe, and Mufulira municipalities, including lead exposure in Kabwe municipality.
He said the project comprises remediation of contaminated hotspots and improvement of environmental infrastructure.
“The project will also finance specific remediation activities and associated environmental infrastructure in Kabwe and Copperbelt areas. It is also reducing environmental health risks through localized interventions support to local income generation, livelihood, and public awareness activities.
“ZMERIP aims at strengthening the capacity of national and state level institutions, improved enforcement for pollution prevention. And also addressing the environmental health impacts associated with poor mining practices. The project is funded by the World Bank and is housed under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development,” he said.
The overall objective of the project is to reduce environmental health risks to the local population associated with the mining sector in critically polluted areas in Kabwe and Copperbelt provinces through improved capacity of the key institutions.
Project Local unit Coordinator Donald Mwanza said that the project is expected to improve live hood and food security for the vulnerable household affected by mining.
