ZAMBIA COMMENCES TO DEVELOP CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY.

The Zambia government has signed 3 memorandum of understanding and one project development agreement with Russia signifying the commencement of the process to develop capacity to implement nuclear science.

The cooperation will among other things develop a strategy for nuclear plant within 10 to 15 years which will produce at least 2 Giga watts of electricity, product isotopes for diagnosis, cancer treatment and irradiation of food.

The agreement paves way for the Russian Federation to assist Zambia with the development of policies, programs, institutions and capacity strengthening to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purpose over a 10to 15 year horizon.

And Deputy Director General of ROSATOM of the Russian Federation Nikolay Spassky, disclosed that in the MOUs signed the Russian federation will assist Zambia construct a centre for nuclear science and technology that will consist of a nuclear installations.

Mr. Spassky says projects of such magnitude need support from all citizens by creating public confidence and acceptance through eliminating myths about nuclear energy.

And Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Godfrey Malama who signed one of the agreements said government expects communication agents to effectively convey messages that will positively impact on citizens for the successful development of the nuclear program.

Mr. Malama says the agreement is aimed at enhancing public awareness and acceptance of nuclear energy in the country using the experience and expertise of the Russian Federation.

The First Memorandum of Understanding signed between the ministry of Higher Education and ROSATOM on cooperation in training and skills development in the fields of nuclear,  will allow Russian Federation assist Zambia in developing an integrated country Human resource plan for personnel for Nuclear Power Plant.

And permanent secretary in the ministry of higher education Owen Mugemezulu says Zambia will develop a robust program in the development of its human resource capacity through training and development of various fields of applied nuclear science and technology.

The second agreement between the Ministry of Health and ROSTECHNADZOR will strengthen cooperation in Nuclear Safety and regulation.

This MoU will pave way for the Russian Federation to assist Zambia to enhance the Capacity of the Radiation Protection Authority by developing a regulatory framework appropriate for heightened nuclear and radiation activities.

The third MoU is between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services and ROSATOM on cooperation in enhancement of public awareness of nuclear energy in Zambia.

Under this agreement the Russian Federation will help with the communication strategy to assist the Zambian government address the myths related to the use of nuclear energy over climate concerns.

Meanwhile secretary to the cabinet Rowland Msiska who witnessed the signing ceremony said the development turns into actuality the pronouncement by President Edgar Lungu during the opening of parliament that his administration will pursue nuclear technology as part of a diversified sustainable energy mix to power Zambia’s economy.

Dr. Msiska told journalists shortly after the signing ceremony that once the program is implemented load shedding will be a thing of past adding that Zambia will be the main electricity exporting hub in the region.