The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has stopped Puma Energy Zambia and Spectra Oil from constructing new service stations on grounds that they had disregarded environmental regulations.

ZEMA had issued decision letters to the two Oil Marketing Companies on November 11, 2016 after the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for construction of a service stations.

Puma Energy has been ordered to comply in full with the conditions of the decision letter with respect to the construction and operation of a fuel service station at stand no. 898, corner of Mosi-Oa- Tunya and Burma Roads in Woodlands, Lusaka.

However, the company has been ordered to immediately stop the preparatory and construction activities, including leveling, laying of foundations and compaction at the stated site after it abrogated ZEMA’s regulations.

ZEMA also ordered Spectra Oil Corporation Limited of Lusaka to immediately cease construction activities of a service station on stand no.4498 Corner of Mosi-Oa-Tunya and Kawama Roads.

The environmental agency has warned businesses to abide by the law as they conduct business activities in line with the provisions of the Environmental Management Act.

“ZEMA wishes to reiterate that it is a requirement of the law for all development projects to fully adhere to the conditions of approval where a project is approved and to ensure that developments are undertaken in accordance with environmental laws as prescribed, said Irene Lungu Chipili the Corporate Affairs Manager in a statement.