THE Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Board has placed all directors in senior management on administrative leave with immediate effect to facilitate an institutional realignment aimed at improving performance, accountability and operational efficiency. Minister of Green Economy and Environment Dr. Gilbert Siame said the move was part of the Government's commitment to ensuring that institutions

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THE Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Board has placed all directors in senior management on administrative leave with immediate effect to facilitate an institutional realignment aimed at improving performance, accountability and operational efficiency.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Dr. Gilbert Siame said the move was part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that institutions under the ministry used public resources effectively and delivered measurable results in line with the Grow Zambia Agenda.

In a media statement Tuesday, Dr.Siame said the exercise would involve realigning institutional and human resources to meet performance standards, as indicated when the new ZEMA Board was appointed.

He assured the public that the process would not disrupt service delivery and would be conducted in accordance with the law and due process.

“The affected directors will undergo an assessment to ascertain their competence, performance and suitability for their respective positions before a final decision is made on whether to reinstate them or part ways with them,” he said.

Dr. Siame said the directors had overseen an institution that had fallen short of public and Government expectations, necessitating a competency audit and suitability assessment.

He said a final decision on the affected directors would be made within 60 days.

The minister said the board has appointed University of Zambia School of Engineering academic Dr. Joel Kabika as interim Director General for six months, after which the position would be advertised for a substantive appointment.

Dr. Kabika has more than 20 years of professional experience in environmental management and water resources governance.

“He holds a PhD and a master’s degree in Integrated Water Resources Management, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering. He has also undertaken specialized training in sanitation, wastewater treatment, faecal sludge management, groundwater management, remote sensing and hydrological modeling,” Siame said.

Dr. Siame said the realignment exercise was not limited to ZEMA, as similar processes have commenced across departments under the ministry to ensure that institutional structures, human resources and operational systems met expected performance standards.

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