The Zambia Environment Management Agency (ZEMA) says it has arrested two Spectra Oil Corporation Limited Directors for contravening the provisions of the Environmental Management Act.

Last week, ZEMA stopped Puma Energy Zambia and Spectra Oil from constructing new service stations on grounds that they had disregarded environmental regulations.

But in a statement today, ZEMA corporate affairs manager Irene Lungu Chipili said Spectra Oil Finance director Maximillan Hamukale and his operations counterpart Hyden Banda on dates unknown but between 13th January, 2017 and 29th March, 2017 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, contravened the order to cease operations.

“The order to cease operations or activity was issued with respect to the construction of a service station at the corner of Kawama and Mosi-oa-Tunya Roads in Woodlands, Lusaka which activities were being undertaken without approval from ZEMA contrary to section 119 of the EMA,” read the statement in part.

ZEMA has since warned developers that it is an offence to commence such development works without approval from the agency.

“Developers are further requested to obtain necessary licences from the agency as stipulated by the environmental law and other relevant laws,”
A source has confirmed that the duo was arrested yesterday afternoon and handed over to Woodlands Police Station in Lusaka.

They will appear in court soon.