The Ministry of Higher Education says it has embarked on self-assessment of regulatory infrastructure for safety in order to strengthen the regulatory framework.
Speaking during the self-assessment for Zambia’s nuclear programme, Ministry Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame said recommendations from the workshop will contribute to the review process of the implementation of the nuclear programme.
Ms Siame also stressed the need to ensure that all nuclear regulatory infrastructures are in place to guide the implementation of the programme.
She reminded participants present that Government embarked on the nuclear programme to contribute to Zambia’s transformational economical and industrial agenda in the context of the vision 2030, 7th National Development Plan (7NDP) and the Agenda 2063.
Ms. Kayula added that the self-assessment aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the regulatory body and its activities.
“Zambia has embarked on a nuclear programme with the intent to include nuclear energy to the energy mix. To realize this goal, necessary nuclear infrastructure in the country must be put in place to meet the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) set standards,” Ms. Kayula stated.
And speaking at the same workshop, Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) Executive Director Boster Siwila says the tool being used to review Zambia’s nuclear programme is an Integrated Regulatory Review Service, which is an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) developed tool for internal review of regulatory framework.
Mr. Siwila explained that the tool helps to give a general picture of a country’s readiness to embark on a nuclear programme.
“There is need for government to create an independent regulatory authority according to IAEA recommendations,” he stated.
Zambia is currently implementing its nuclear programme following international IAEA standards.
The programme will see the construction of a Centre for Nuclear Research Centre and Technology (CNST) in Chongwe and a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in an area yet to be designated.