ZMA Hits 94.4% Compliance
… Agency Sees Improvement in Measurement Standards Across Multiple Sectors
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia – (29-08-2024) – The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has announced a compliance level exceeding 94.4%, marking a significant improvement from previous years. This milestone underscores ZMA’s commitment to aligning Zambia’s measurement systems with international standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability across various sectors.
Speaking at a media briefing this morning, ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni highlighted the agency’s role in supporting sectors such as agriculture, health, trade, road safety, and law enforcement through precise measurement systems.
“Our goal is to maintain the highest standards of accuracy in Zambia’s measurement systems, which are essential for the success and integrity of many industries,” Nkobeni said.
Nkobeni explained that ZMA’s verification of measurement instruments spans key areas. In agriculture, it supports organizations like the Food Reserve Agency and private grain buyers, facilitating maize purchases and mitigating drought impacts.
In road safety and law enforcement, ZMA collaborates with the Road Development Agency to test mobile speed cameras and calibrate weighbridges, ensuring safety and compliance.
“By ensuring accuracy in these sectors, we are not only supporting economic activities but also enhancing public safety,” he added.
In the petroleum sector, ZMA has verified over 1,500 petroleum tankers to guarantee accurate fuel measurements.
The agency plans to open a verification center in Ndola, which will further enhance fuel measurement accuracy and compliance with national and international standards.
“This new center will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of fuel measurements, which is vital for both the industry and consumers,” Nkobeni stated.
Nkobeni reported that approximately 94.4% of measuring instruments across various sectors meet legal requirements.
For those that do not comply, ZMA enforces corrective actions such as repackaging to ensure standards are met.
“Our efforts have consistently resulted in high compliance rates, demonstrating our commitment to quality and reliability,” he noted.
To improve measurement accuracy and standardization, ZMA is undertaking several initiatives. One project, in collaboration with the Lusaka City Council, aims to standardize measurements in markets by eliminating non-standard containers and providing standardized measuring tools.
“This project is crucial for ensuring fairness in trade, as it eliminates discrepancies caused by non-standard measurements,” Nkobeni explained.
The agency also plans to establish a Petroleum Tanker Verification Center in Ndola to facilitate the calibration and verification of petroleum tankers, using dipsticks for more accurate measurements.
“By using more precise methods, we can ensure that fuel measurements are accurate, which is critical for maintaining trust in the market,” he said.
Nkobeni mentioned the ongoing review of the Metrology Act to eliminate confusion between metrology and meteorology.
The agency is engaging with stakeholders to ensure the revised legislation clearly defines ZMA’s role.
“We are working to ensure that the law reflects our mandate and distinguishes us from other fields, so there is no misunderstanding about our responsibilities,” he emphasized.
He said ZMA is committed to building capacity through technical and regulatory training for stakeholders in sectors like petroleum, agriculture, and construction.
These training programs aim to enhance understanding and compliance with measurement standards.
“Training is a key component of our strategy, as it helps stakeholders understand the importance of accurate measurements and how to achieve them,” Nkobeni said.
Recognizing the media’s role in raising awareness about metrology, ZMA values its partnership with journalists.
The agency plans to introduce media awards to acknowledge the contributions of journalists in promoting accurate and reliable measurement systems.
“The media plays a vital role in educating the public about our work, and we want to acknowledge and encourage that effort,” he said.
Nkobeni said as Zambia continues to develop its infrastructure and industries, ZMA’s role in ensuring accurate measurement will be crucial in supporting the nation’s growth and ensuring fairness and safety in trade and daily activities.
“We are committed to maintaining consistency, integrity, and transparency in all our operations,” Nkobeni concluded.