The Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) on 6th December, 2022 handed over the project report and proposed draft Bill on the review of the Explosives Act, Chapter 115 of the Laws of Zambia; and the project report and proposed draft Regulations on the review of the Mines and Minerals (Environmental) Regulations SI No.29 of 1997; and the Mines and Minerals (Environmental Protection Fund) Regulations, SI No.102 of 1998 to the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (MMMD) Hon. Paul Chanda Kabuswe M.P.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Hon. Paul Chanda Kabuswe M.P receives a project report from ZLDC Chairperson, Honourable Madam Justice Ruth Chibbabbuka
The Minister, during the handover ceremony held in Lusaka at Southern Sun Hotel expressed concern on the growing misuse of explosives by various entities and individuals. He cited the growing tendency by fishermen to use explosives in the water bodies, which has led to the destruction of the fingerlings, as one such example on the misuse of explosives. He added that the selling and transportation of illegal explosives has increased in the country and that such illegal practices must be controlled.
Hon. Kabuswe has since called on mining companies to ensure that their operations are environmentally friendly adding that issues to do with the environment are very critical, those doing mining activities should be able to pay for damage of the environment.
MMMD Permanent Secretary Mr. Mooya Lumba Lumamba
And ZLDC Chairperson, Honourable Madam Justice Ruth Chibbabbuka stated that regarding the of the Explosives Act, it was noted that the Act had gaps that needed to be addressed such as lack of licensing certificates for sellers to purchase, acquire and possess explosives; and the absence of the provision for forfeiture of Explosives under defined circumstances. She added that there was need to also align Environmental Protections Regulations with regulations under the Environmental Management Act as well as provide for the effective management of the Environmental Protection Fund.
ZLDC Chairperson, Honourable Madam Justice Ruth Chibbabbuka
The handover ceremony was attended by MMMD Permanent Secretary Mr. Mooya Lumba Lumamba, MMMD Acting Director Planning and Information, Ms. Mercy Zulu, ZLDC Acting Director Mr. Mwiba Mwenda, other Senior Government Officials, Staff from both the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, and the Zambia Law Development Commission.
Inutu Akolwa, Senior Research Officer, ZLDC
For a full report and ZLDC Chairperson’s official remarks, click on the following links:
PROJECT REPORT: https://www.zambialawdevelopment.org/download/report-review-of-the-mines-and-minerals-environmental-regulations-51-no-29-of-1997-and-the-mines-and-minerals-environmental-protection-fund-regulations51-no-102-of-1998/
ZLDC CHAIRPERSON SPEECH: https://www.zambialawdevelopment.org/download/speech-of-the-chairperson-of-the-zambia-law-development-commission-honourable-madam-justice-ruth-chibbabbuka-on-the-occasion-of-the-hand-over-of-the-explosives-amendment-bill-2022-and-minerals/
VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/zldcofficialpage/videos/985497419504793
#LawReview
#LawReform
#LawDevelopment
::::::::::::::::::
Zambia Law Development Commission