(3 Minutes Read)
In a decisive move aimed at bolstering Zambia’s water management infrastructure, President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) to promptly greenlight all applications for dam construction across the country.
President Hichilema emphasized the urgency of this directive and stressed that ZEMA and WARMA must prioritize the approval of these applications to facilitate the government’s agenda of water harvesting. While urging the regulators to ensure adherence to environmental regulations in the approval process, President Hichilema highlighted the critical need for water harvesting to enhance irrigation farming, particularly in light of the prevailing drought conditions. He underscored that the country must learn from the current challenges and prioritize water conservation efforts.
The President expressed firm resolve against wasteful water practices, stating that the era of allowing water to flow freely to the Indian Ocean while dams could store it for irrigation and electricity generation is over. Jervis Zimba, President of the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU), commended farmers for their resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions. He emphasized the need to seize the drought situation as an opportunity to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
In further efforts to bolster the agricultural sector, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo announced plans to expand the agricultural credit window. This expansion will encompass funding for irrigation, mechanization, livestock, and aquaculture, aiming to provide comprehensive support to farmers across various sub-sectors.
The directive from President Hichilema aligns with Zambia’s ongoing commitment to sustainable environmental management and underscores the government’s proactive approach to addressing pressing challenges such as water scarcity. With the expedited approval process for dam construction, Zambia aims to enhance its water harvesting capabilities, ultimately contributing to agricultural productivity and national development.
Dams have long been touted as crucial infrastructure for society, providing benefits such as flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities. However, their construction and operation also inflict significant harm on river ecosystems, leading to a complex debate over their overall impact. While acknowledging the benefits dams bring, it’s essential to recognize the substantial damage they cause to rivers.
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https://trendsnafrica.com/un-agency-expressed-concerns-over-two-more-dams-in-libya/
The debate over dams versus alternative water control structures underscores the need for a nuanced approach to water management. While dams offer undeniable benefits, their ecological impacts cannot be ignored. As societies navigate the complexities of water resource management, prioritizing sustainability and minimizing harm to river ecosystems remains paramount.
