ZEMA suspends construction of Puma service station

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 13:47:43 +0000

By MAILESI BANDA

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has suspended a Decision Letter issued to Puma Energy Zambia for the construction of a service station, ZEMA corporate affairs manager, Irene Chipili has said.

And ZEMA has ordered Spectra Oil Corporation Limited of Lusaka to immediately cease construction activities of a service station on Stand No.4498 Corner of Mosi-Oa-Tunya and Kawama Roads.

“Puma Energy Zambia PLC has been ordered to comply in full with the conditions of the Decision Letter with respect to the construction and operation of a fuel service station at Stand No. 898, Corner of Mosi-Oa- Tunya and Burma Roads in Woodlands in Lusaka,” she said.

She said the condition of the Decision Letter related to obtaining change of land use and other authorisations under the Urban and Regional Planning Act No. 3 of 2015 of the Laws of Zambia.

She said Puma had also been ordered to immediately stop the preparatory and construction activities including leveling, laying of foundations and compaction at the stated site.  She stated that it was illegal for any person or business to conduct business activities contrary to the provisions of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011. She reiterated that it was a requirement of the law for all development projects to fully adhere to the conditions of approval when a project was approved.  She said companies should ensure that approved developments were undertaken in accordance with environmental laws as prescribed.