Zimpapers Logo

The Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri appointed the Environmental Management Authority board on February 22, 2016 in compliance with Section 11 of the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27) this follows the expiry of the term of office of the previous board.The board gives strategic directions that guide the operations of the Environmental Management Agency.

Functions of the board

The board has various functions as outlined in the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27) that include among others the following:

Hearings by the board: in terms of Section 27 of the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27) the Board has powers to hold hearings on matters of environmental violations by individuals, corporates and local authorities.

In the past, this has resulted in local authorities such as: Harare City, Chitungwiza Municipality, Norton Town Council, Chegutu and Chinhoyi Municipalities being brought before the board on allegations of allocating stands in wetlands, non-collection of refuse and illegal discharge of untreated effluent such as raw sewage into the environment.

Such board hearings resulted in enhanced commitment to sound environmental management and improved compliance with environmental laws by these local authorities.

The board thus has a unique function which is different from most boards and hence their appointment is critical for the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

Whenever it is holding a hearing, the interested and affected communities are free to attend and be part of the proceedings.

Powers of the board to summon witnesses and take evidence at hearings;

For the purposes of any hearing, the board has the same powers as a Magistrate’s court to summon witnesses, to cause the oath to be administered to them, to examine them and to call for the production of documents.

A subpoena for the attendance of a witness or for the production of any book, document or record before the board shall be signed and issued by the chairman of the board, and shall be served in the same way as a subpoena for the attendance of a witness at a criminal trial in a magistrates court.

Any person subpoenaed to give evidence or to produce any book, document or record or giving evidence before the board shall be entitled to the same privileges and immunities as if he were subpoenaed to attend or were giving evidence at a criminal trial in a magistrates court.

The board now consists of the following members;

1. Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi – (Chairperson)

2. Ms Sophia Nyamudeza (Vice Chairperson)

3. Mr Andrew Mlalazi (Member)

4. Mr Felix F Moyo (Member)

5. Mr Nickel Mushangwe (Member)

6. Mr Howard G Mazaiwana (Member)

7. Mrs Barbara Rwodzi (Member)

8. Dr Nelson Chanza (Member)

9. Mr Irvin D. Kunene (Ex-Officio Member – Ministry Representative)

10. Mrs Dorothy M Chasi, The Director General (Executive Ex-Officio Member

The board is a critical component for EMA in upholding good corporate governance and ensuring sustainable development.

We congratulate the chairman and the members of the board on this noble appointment and we welcome them to the EMA family.

Together with all our stakeholders we will achieve a clean, safe and healthy environment.

ECO-QUIZ

Who is the new EMA board chairperson?

THE WINNER WILL WALK AWAY WITH A “GIFT” COURTESY OF EMA.

All answers to be sent to [email protected]. Indicate your name, address, contact details and the nearest EMA office.