Thu, 08 Dec 2016 09:39:32 +0000
By Martin Akende
GOVERNMENT has signed three memoranda of understanding and one project development agreement with Russia, signifying the start of a process to develop nuclear science that is expected to power Zambia’s economy and make the country a hub of power exports in the region. The cooperation will see among other things the development of a strategy for Zambia to build a nuclear plant within 10 to 15 years, which would produce at least 2 Giga watts of electricity, production of isotopes for diagnosis, cancer treatment and removal of radiation in food. The agreement has paved way for the Russian government to assist Zambia with the development of policies, programmes, institutions and capacity that would strengthen the country’s ability to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes between 10 to 15 years. The first memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Higher Education and ROSATOM on corporation in training and skills development in the fields of nuclear energy. The MoU would allow the Russian Federation to assist Zambia in developing an integrated country human resource plan for personnel for nuclear power plant (NPP), construction/engineering personnel, and personnel for non-power sector, personnel for nuclear infrastructure and lecturers and researchers. The second MoU signed between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and ROSATOM was to enhance cooperation in public awareness of nuclear energy in Zambia. Under this MoU, the Russian government has agreed to help with the communication strategy to assist Zambia address the myths related to the use of nuclear energy as regards climate, environment and safety. The Russians will undertake trainings of representatives of the mass media, opinion leaders and communication agents for the purpose of improving their understanding of nuclear industry and nuclear technology. The final MoU was signed between the Ministry of Health and ROSTECHINADZOR on corporation in nuclear safety and regulation to pave way for the Russian Federation to help Zambia to enhance the capacity of the Radiation Protection Authority of Zambia by developing a regulatory framework appropriate for heightened nuclear and radiation activities. And deputy director general of ROSATOM of the Russian Federation Nikolay Spassky said the MoUs were intended to help Zambia construct a centre for nuclear science and technology. Mr Spassky said projects of such magnitude needed support from all citizens by creating public confidence and acceptance through eliminating myths about nuclear energy. “It is of great importance to create public acceptance and confidence in all the people if the project of such magnitude is to be successful. We have to be very truthful to the people in order to erode the perception and myth about nuclear power through robust sensitization. The MoUs and the project development agreement with Russia Federation will enhance training and skills transfer as well as enhancement of public acceptance,” he said. Secretary to Cabinet Rowland Msiska, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said the development turns into reality 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 programme was implemented, load shedding would be a thing of the past, making Zambia the electricity exporting hub in the region.
