04/11/2025
GOVERNMENT URGES CITIZENS TO REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS WITH INTEGRITY
Government has urged citizens to prioritise public interest when reporting environmental violations, rather than expecting financial rewards.
Mufulira Municipal Council Chief Health Inspector Waluka Ingombe guided this during a training workshop for Copperbelt Environmental Defenders held in Kitwe under the European Union (EU) funded project Strengthening the Respect for Environmental Rights in Zambia (SR4ER), implemented by HIVOS, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), and Zambia Institute of Environmental Management (ZIEM).
The project, ending in January 2027, focuses on empowering rights holders through training programmes.
Ingombe noted that the environment is constantly changing, with visible and sensory shifts in air, water, and land quality.
He said reports of environmental violations should focus on persistent issues rather than isolated events, such as a single vehicle emitting fumes.
Ingombe outlined key violations that should be reported as illegal resource extraction, logging, mining, improper waste handling, open dumping, burning of hazardous waste, and the mismanagement of licensed operations.
He also highlighted the importance of reporting non-compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations and activities occurring within protected areas or riparian buffers.
Ingombe stressed the importance of proper documentation by whistleblowers.
He said reports should include GPS coordinates, plot numbers, photographs or videos taken from a safe distance, and a clear description of the site.
Ingombe advised citizens not to trespass or confront suspects.
He said evidence should be collected carefully, noting odours, fish kills, smoke, health symptoms, and the duration of the impact.
Ingombe said where possible, witness names and contact details, vehicle registration numbers, company names, and visible uniforms should be recorded.
He guided that the original materials should be preserved.
Ingombe said reports can be submitted to ZEMA for pollution and EIA violations, to local councils under public health by-laws, or to the police in cases of immediate danger.
He said traditional development committees may also be informed.GOVERNMENT URGES CITIZENS TO REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS WITH INTEGRITY
Government has urged citizens to prioritise public interest when reporting environmental violations, rather than expecting financial rewards.
Mufulira Municipal Council Chief Health Inspector Waluka Ingombe guided this during a training workshop for Copperbelt Environmental Defenders held in Kitwe under the European Union (EU) funded project Strengthening the Respect for Environmental Rights in Zambia (SR4ER), implemented by HIVOS, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), and Zambia Institute of Environmental Management (ZIEM).
The project, ending in January 2027, focuses on empowering rights holders through training programmes.
Ingombe noted that the environment is constantly changing, with visible and sensory shifts in air, water, and land quality.
He said reports of environmental violations should focus on persistent issues rather than isolated events, such as a single vehicle emitting fumes.
Ingombe outlined key violations that should be reported as illegal resource extraction, logging, mining, improper waste handling, open dumping, burning of hazardous waste, and the mismanagement of licensed operations.
He also highlighted the importance of reporting non-compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations and activities occurring within protected areas or riparian buffers.
Ingombe stressed the importance of proper documentation by whistleblowers.
He said reports should include GPS coordinates, plot numbers, photographs or videos taken from a safe distance, and a clear description of the site.
Ingombe advised citizens not to trespass or confront suspects.
He said evidence should be collected carefully, noting odours, fish kills, smoke, health symptoms, and the duration of the impact.
Ingombe said where possible, witness names and contact details, vehicle registration numbers, company names, and visible uniforms should be recorded.
He guided that the original materials should be preserved.
Ingombe said reports can be submitted to ZEMA for pollution and EIA violations, to local councils under public health by-laws, or to the police in cases of immediate danger.
He said traditional development committees may also be informed.