EMA opens Tsholotsho district office

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has opened a district office in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North as part of Government’s devolution agenda of providing services to communities at grassroot level.

Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu officially opened the offices on Friday.

Minister Ndlovu commended EMA for bringing its services to the people saying it complements Government’s National Development Strategy 1 whose thrust is to promote social and infrastructural development.

“This project fits perfectly into the devolution agenda, which promotes development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure not only in cities such as Harare or Bulawayo, but also at local level. This development is in support of the national blueprint, NDS 1 objectives of strengthening social infrastructure as well as ensuring sustainable environmental protection and resilience hence we look forward to the establishment of more of such offices across the country,” said Minister Ndlovu.

He said EMA should construct similar offices across the country.

Minister Ndlovu said the environment is under severe attack from both the adverse effects of climate change and unsustainable human activities hence bringing services to people should counter some of the environmental ills.

“There is need for inclusivity in the utilisation of this structure so that it does not benefit EMA alone but the district, province and the nation at large. I’m also happy that the two officers who will initially man this office are both women and young. This is a milestone and I encourage you to continue on this trajectory of considering gender and other vulnerable groups,” said Minister Ndlovu.