Uno Energy Limited to construct fuel depot in Kafue

A Zambian registered oil marketing company, Uno Energy Limited, has proposed to construct a 6,000,000-litre fuel depot at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Kafue District. The proposed project valued at two million United States dollars is expected to be…

 A Zambian registered oil marketing company, Uno Energy Limited, has proposed to construct a 6,000,000-litre fuel depot at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Kafue District.

The proposed project valued at two million United States dollars is expected to be developed in two phases.

Speaking when he officiated at the scoping meeting, Kafue District Commissioner Maurice Hikapulwe noted that fuel storage is a sensitive project that comes with significant economic benefits, including job opportunities, energy security for the nation and revenue for the local authority.

Mr Hikapulwe, however, said the development also comes with environmental and safety concerns that cannot be ignored, citing the safety of employees, water contamination, traffic management, air quality, fire and emergency preparedness.

“Colleagues, the fuel storage project comes with great economic benefits but it also comes with environmental and safety concerns that we cannot ignore,” said Mr Hikapulwe.

He urged stakeholders and experts to adequately look into all the issues and concerns raised, which will form part of the terms of reference that the consultants must study during the full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

“The scoping meeting is not a formality but a platform where the community, experts, local authority and the developer must put all issues on the table,” The District Commissioner stressed.

He emphasised that today’s concerns will form the terms of reference that the consultants must study in detail during the full ESIA.

Mr Hikapulwe also reminded stakeholders of the need to ensure that Government policy on sustainable development is upheld.

He further welcomed the investment, particularly in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, which he described as the engine of the District’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, stakeholders called on the local authority to also consider establishing a fire station at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone.