• The Media must take keen interest in reporting accurately on nuclear science and technology.
• Currently, knowledge levels on nuclear technologies are low.
• The Media have played their role in misinforming the public when they have to inform citizens on the benefits of new clear energy programs
Ministry of Information and Media has urged the media to take keen interest in reporting accurately on nuclear science and technology.
Speaking during a media capacity building and sensitization workshop on the nuclear program in Zambia, Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga noted that currently, knowledge levels on nuclear technologies are low, thereby creating information gaps filled with suspicion and fears.
Mr. Kalunga added that the media have played their role in misinforming the public when they have to inform citizens on the benefits of new clear energy programs.
He said investment in clear energy has immense benefits to the country such as reliable and clean electricity.
“Zambia like other countries has been experiencing steep fluctuations in rainfall patterns arising from Climate change resulting in power deficits from the hydro-power generation such as the Kariba and Kafue power stations. This impacts negatively on Economic Development of the country hence the importance of Nuclear Energy Programme that the country has embarked on,” Mr. Kalunga said.
Mr. Kalunga also stated that the Nuclear programme is cardinal as it will bring about diversified and Export oriented mining industry through enhancing coloration of Gemstones for local and export market as well as Mineral characterization of various ores.
He said once the programme is fully implemented, Zambia will become second to South Africa on the continent to have developed the nuclear programme whose benefits are immense.
And speaking at the same event, Ministry of Science and Technology Acting Permanent Secretary Mala Sikazwe said the Ministry has developed draft bills and once they are enacted, sensitization on new clear energy programs among the general public will be accelerated.
“Considering that the nuclear programme is a long term project, it is a requirement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the programme is supported by the law of the implementing country, ”she said.
