The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Chief Finance Officer, Mr Raphael Chipoma, has challenged stakeholders and community members to take an active role in environmental protection by “creating lungs for the community” through tree planting and other green initiatives.
Mr Chipoma who was representing the IDC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Cornwell Muleya made the call during a tree planting exercise held at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ), where he urged participants to embrace the spirit of collective responsibility by “getting dirty for a clean future.” He said sustainable industrial development cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to protect and preserve the environment for present and future generations.
Guest of Honour, Dr Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy, commended LS-MFEZ for prioritising environmental sustainability alongside economic development. He said the exercise was a clear demonstration that the economic zone understands the delicate balance between driving industrial growth and safeguarding the environment.
Dr Chibamba who was representing the Minister of Green Economy Honourable Mike Mposha emphasized that sustainable development requires intentional actions, not just policy statements, and described the tree planting initiative as a practical example of responsible development.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of LS-MFEZ Mr. Boster Chiyaba said the tree planting exercise, now in its second year, reflects a shared commitment among stakeholders to protect the environment. He disclosed that in 2026, LS-MFEZ plans to scale up the initiative by planting at least 5,000 trees within and around the economic zone.
He reaffirmed LS-MFEZ’s commitment to integrating environmental sustainability into its operations and encouraged continued collaboration with partners and the local community to ensure a greener and healthier future.
The event brought together government officials, corporate partners, and community members, all united by a common goal of building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable economic zone.
