part of the 15 EMA vehicle fleet which was commissioned
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, has called on the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to be resolute so as to attain a clean, safe and healthy environment in line with the country’s Vision 2030.
Vision 2030 seeks to transform Zimbabwe to an upper middle-income economy.
Minister Nyoni revealed this on Friday during the commissioning of 15 EMA operational vehicles to enhance environmental inspections, patrols and responses.
The vehicles comprise of 13 Isuzu 4 by 4-wheeldrive single cab and two double cab vehicles.
“I urge EMA to be resolute and be equal to the task in order to attain a clean, safe and healthy environment in line with vision 2030 and as we finalise the NDS1,” said Minister Nyoni.
She said EMA is the national environmental regulatory arm, with a huge task to regulate, monitor and promote sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection and need to be equipped in order to undertake its mandate.
“The environment we live in is dynamic characterized with challenges that are caused by human activities, climate change and other natural processes resulting in wetland depletion, stream bank cultivation, pollution, deforestation, veld fires and illegal sand abstraction among other challenges.
“Community inclusion in the management of the environment remains key and I am happy that the Agency is unveiling these as tools of trade towards reaching out and engaging with communities in protection of the natural capital and allowing communities to derive livelihood benefits.
“Institutional capacity remains key in the achievement of set targets by any organization, and the vehicle pool the Agency is unveiling today will go a long way in ensuring the Agency meets its mandate,” revealed Minister Nyoni.
She reiterated that the Board and Management of EMA should see to it that the operational vehicles are put to judicious use.
“There is organizational strength in investing in the employees and l applaud the Environment Management Board for this huge empowerment of the Agency, and calling upon EMA staff too; to put these tools of trade into good use and ensure the aspirations of NDS1 and vision 2030 are achieved,” added Minister Nyoni.
Speaking also at the commissioning, EMA Board Chair, Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi said, “this development comes at a time when the Agency is gearing up for the finalization of its 2021-2025 strategic plan by ensuring that all set targets are achieved.
“The beauty of the very same strategic plan is that its aligned to the National Development Strategy 1, which prioritizes environmental management as a key enabler to the attainment of the national vision of an upper middle income economy by 2030.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this fleet of 15 all-terrain four wheel drive vehicles, will definitely equip EMA operational staff and improve their efficiency and responsiveness in the execution of duty, as spelt out in the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27).
“In support of the devolution thrust, these vehicles will head to districts who are the primary beneficiaries.
“This fleet remains an exceptionally crucial asset for the Agency as tools of trade, which will augment its commitment to ensure timely response, thus the protection of human health and the environment.”
EMA Director General, Aaron Chigona in his acceptance speech, said the development comes at a time when the Agency is seized with the finalisation of the NDS1, which is a key enabler to the attainment of the national vision 2030 as well as feeding into the ultimate goal of achieving a clean, safe and healthy environment for all.
He said the vehicles will be distributed across provinces and districts in support of the devolution agenda.
“The vehicles will augment the EMA fleet and increase service delivery as per expectation.
“I want to assure you Honourable Minister that these vehicles will be put into good use and for the purpose.
“They are not personal to any EMA staff member but operational vehicles to strengthen our regulatory duties of safeguarding the environment,” he said.
Chigona added that EMA’s visibility and public confidence will greatly improve as a result of the investment.
“I promise you (Minister Nyoni) we will guard these assets jealously and ensure they serve the Agency and the country for a long time to come.
“We also pledge our total commitment to ensuring the realisation of our vision of a clean, safe and healthy environment, for an empowered society and a sustainable growing economy by 2030,” he added.
