Mposha Warns ZEMA staff

Mposha Warns ZEMA Staff Against Corruption, Laziness, and Poor Work Culture

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Monday, October 13, 2025 — Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, has issued a stern warning to officers at the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) over what he described as poor work culture, absenteeism, and alleged corruption among staff.

During an impromptu visit to ZEMA headquarters in Lusaka this morning, Minister Mposha expressed disappointment after finding only a handful of workers present out of a workforce of nearly 100.

He said the surprise inspection was meant to check punctuality and staff discipline but ended up exposing worrying levels of laxity in the agency.

“This visit was meant to surprise you, but I ended up surprising myself. Out of nearly 100 employees, very few were present. This is unacceptable for an institution of such national importance,” Mposha said.

The Minister criticized the late reporting by officers, noting that many offices were still locked past 8:20 a.m. while clients waited to be served.

He warned that such attitudes were unacceptable in a government that emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

“Our President works tirelessly — even on weekends and late into the night. If the President and Cabinet can sacrifice their rest for the country, what excuse do we have for reporting late? This government does not recognize 17 hours as the end of duty,” he stated.

Mposha stressed that the delays in project approvals, particularly Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), were partly due to poor punctuality and lack of seriousness among staff.

He said the New Dawn Administration expected ZEMA to operate as a key facilitator of national development, not a bottleneck.

“When investors complain that ZEMA takes too long to approve projects, it’s because officers are not in the office on time. We cannot attract investment if we continue inconveniencing clients,” he warned.

Condemns Corruption and Extortion of Clients

Minister Mposha expressed deep concern over reports that some ZEMA officers were soliciting bribes from project applicants by deliberately delaying approvals.

He described such acts as corruption that undermines the government’s credibility and development goals.

“I am extremely disappointed that some officers are extorting money from clients. Some deliberately delay decisions to pressure clients into paying bribes. That is corruption, and it must stop immediately,” Mposha said.

He cautioned that officers found engaging in such practices would face arrest and disciplinary action.

He reminded staff that ZEMA is a government institution under his ministry and not an independent body free from oversight.

“ZEMA is under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment. You are not on a honeymoon. Those found engaging in corruption will be dealt with,” he warned.

Calls for Proactive Environmental Monitoring

The Minister also castigated ZEMA for failing to respond promptly to environmental violations, citing ongoing illegal mining and pollution along the Kafue River and on the Copperbelt as examples of neglect.

“I recently visited the Copperbelt and found people excavating tailings along the Kafue River. Such negligence poses a serious threat to our water sources. Yet ZEMA officers claim to be unaware,” he said.

He directed inspectors to take responsibility for environmental issues in their designated areas and warned that those who fail to act will be held personally accountable.

“If I visit an area and find pollution or illegal activities, the inspectors responsible for that region will answer. You cannot be sitting in the office while people’s lives are at risk,” Mposha said.

Demands Efficiency and Better Client Communication

The Minister further condemned the tendency by some officers to delay applications due to minor document omissions without promptly informing clients.

“If a project file is missing one document, don’t shelve it for months. Contact the applicant immediately to provide what is missing. That’s how professional institutions operate,” he said.

Mposha emphasized that inefficiency at ZEMA frustrates investors and slows down critical renewable energy and mining projects meant to grow the economy and create jobs.

Warns Against Complacency and Attitude Problems

While acknowledging operational challenges such as limited staffing and inadequate resources, the Minister said these could not justify indiscipline, absenteeism, or corruption. He disclosed that the 2026 national budget has provisions to strengthen ZEMA’s capacity, especially under the environmental department.

“We are addressing the issue of understaffing and lack of tools, but these cannot be excuses for poor performance. We must change our attitude and work culture,” he said.

Final Warning and Call for Accountability

Mposha concluded by urging all ZEMA employees to embrace professionalism, integrity, and patriotism in their work, warning that repeated negligence would attract disciplinary action.

“This is a friendly warning. The next time I visit and find the same situation, it will not end well. The country depends on us to protect its environment and support development,” he said.

“We are parents and leaders — what example do we set if we report late for work? Let’s be disciplined, accountable, and proud to serve our nation,” he added.