GOVT BACKS NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya says Zambia’s planned investment in nuclear technology is meant to support the country’s nuclear energy diversification programme.

Dr. Chilufya says the programme will first commence with a project to construct a centre for Nuclear Science and Technology.

He says with this kind of technology Zambia is investing in, there will be an expected increase in the transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials on the continent and Zambia in particular.

Dr. Chilufya said this in Lusaka today when he officiated at the Africa Workshop on the Implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources under the theme: Guidance on the Management of Disused Radioactive Sources.

The workshop is aimed at promoting a wide exchange of information on the Code of Conduct and its Guidance on the Management of Disused Radioactive Sources.

Dr. Chilufya thanked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the continuous support to the Radiation Protection Authority on its regulatory mandate to ensure safety of workers, the public and the environment from effects that may arise.

And IAEA Facilitator Olga Makarovska said the agency recognises Zambia’s political will and implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its Guidance to the Management of Disused radioactive Sources.