Mwala MP Vincent Musau to chair Environment Committee

Mwala MP Vincent Musau has been elected chairperson of the Environment Committee unopposed.

He was the only MP who submitted his nomination by the close of business Tuesday.

If only one candidate applies, the clerk declares the candidate elected.

Musau was proposed by Adow Kunow and Feisal Abdalla.

Musau, on his election, said he was elated about his election.

Peter Chemweno was the presiding clerk.

"I know any of the members have the capacity to be chairman but you chose me. I thank you for your trust. This is not just an election but a commitment to serve," the MP said.

He said the committee was crucial since development projects have a nexus with environmental protection.

"I believe if we work with collaboration and truthfulness, we can make a lot of progress. I pledge to lead with inclusivity and fairness," Musau said.

The MP, who initially chaired the powerful Energy committee, denied assertions he was kicked out of his last post over alleged infractions (unspecified).

"A lot was said about me which was not true. That is not me," the MP said, asking his colleagues to support him in the new endeavour.

Musau blamed the events on politics saying it was easy for a person of his stature to be character assassinated.

The Mwala MP will be deputised by Charles Kamuren who was elected vice chair of the Committee.

"The president pledged to mitigate climate change effects by planting 15 billion trees...we are on the hot pot to steer the committee towards achieving the promise by the president," Kamuren said as he assumed his new responsibilities.

Members urged Musau to focus on what lies ahead.

Among outstanding issues before the committee include unlocking climate financing, tree planting, and ongoing works to tap fossil fuels.