ZCSA Sets Sights on Safer Energy Practices



By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, January 21, 2025 — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is intensifying its efforts to strengthen regulations in the energy sector to improve consumer and environmental safety.

In a statement issued by ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba, Executive Director Gerald Chizinga affirmed the agency’s commitment to developing and enforcing mandatory standards aimed at bolstering safety across the energy sector.

Addressing the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Water Development, and Tourism, Chizinga underscored the importance of enhancing the regulatory framework to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.

"Product safety is essential not only for protecting consumers and the environment but also for the continued viability of the energy sector," Chizinga remarked during the session, which was chaired by Sesheke Member of Parliament, Romeo Kang'ombe.

Chizinga also highlighted the need for increased private sector involvement, pointing to recent innovations such as net metering, which enables consumers to generate electricity from renewable sources.

He stressed that such initiatives play a crucial role in tackling climate change and advancing Zambia’s energy transition.

“These reforms represent a major step forward in engaging private sector stakeholders, which will help accelerate the adoption of alternative energy sources and stimulate economic growth,” Chizinga explained.

Hon. Kang'ombe praised ZCSA for its contributions, acknowledging the agency’s critical role in safeguarding public health, safety, and the environment.

ZCSA is responsible for regulating various energy-related standards, including those for automotive gasoil (diesel), unleaded petrol, aviation turbine fuel, road tank vehicles for flammable liquids, and the bulk transportation of LPG.

As a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, ZCSA was established through the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 to enforce standards that protect public safety, health, and the environment.

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