The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has reportedly approved 90 development projects valued at US$294 million, marking a major step in the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, ZEMA Board Chairperson, Professor Lovejoy Malambo, said the approvals were granted during the 30th meeting of the Environmental Assessments Committee.

Of the approved projects, 55 are in the mining and mineral processing sector, while 14 fall under the energy sector.

The remaining included 11 infrastructure projects, with others spread across manufacturing and processing, agriculture and forestry, and tourism.

Among the notable approvals is the Southern Network Reinforcement Project by ZESCO Limited, which involves the construction of a 132kV transmission line from Kafue Town to Kalomo District.

The project is expected to create a ring connection of substations across Southern Province, enhancing power supply reliability in the region.

ZEMA also granted environmental clearance to Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited for the construction and operation of two wastewater treatment plants in the Chunga and Ngwerere areas of Lusaka District.

“As Zambia continues to expand its energy infrastructure and improve water and sanitation services, it is imperative that ZEMA works closely with developers to ensure these projects are environmentally sustainable,” said Malambo.