In the course of the implementation of the EU -funded Project Support to the Southern African States in Nuclear Safety and Safeguards, ISTC supported last December the conduct in Livingston of  a specialized training course on the Information Tracking System for radiation experts from Zambia and from Zimbabwe.

The Radiation Protection Authority of Zambia published the following Press release on the occasion :

The Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) Zambia Board Chairperson, Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Adrian Maleya said that the RPA is aware that there are several institutions using Ionising Radiation in the application of Nuclear Science and Technology for the benefit of Zambians. The practices include but not limited to those in Health, Manufacturing, Mining, Agriculture, Research and Training, Exploration of radioactive materials and road construction industries. In his remarks, he said that all technology involving the use of Nuclear Science and Technology in Zambia is based on imported radioactive materials/devices and Zambia being a landlocked country is used as a transit point for radioactive/nuclear materials.

Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Maleya said this when he officially opened the Sub-Regional Training in Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in the Transport of Uranium Ore Concentrates and other Radioactive Materials-Web Based System on 9^th December, 2019 at Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone.

In his opening remarks, Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Maleya gave gratitude to the European Union (EU) for funding this important event. He also thanked all the participants present, who included those from Zambia and Zimbabwe, for accepting to be part of the Training and edged them to participate fully.

Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Maleya used the official opening ceremony as an opportunity to thank the Experts from Bulgaria and South Africa, who have dedicated their time to training all the participants present at the training.

 “Due to an increase in the use of ionising radiation in the country, it is important to increase capacity in monitoring and regulating of transportation of such materials. Despite the beneficial uses, radioactive/nuclear materials are potentially harmful, and this may affect the health and everyday life of the public, workers and the environment. Radioactive/Nuclear materials can pose as a threat to Public Security if found/used by persons with malicious intent” Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Maleya.

The RPA Board Chairperson noted that as part of the Project implementation activities, and in collaboration with the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC), the Radiation Protection Authority Zimbabwe and Radiation Protection Authority Zambia is hosting this Training under Project MC5.01/15B “Support to Southern African States in Nuclear Safety and Safeguards” which is funded by the European Union’s Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation. The prime focus of the training will be to equip the participants with knowledge about the proposed Web-system which aimed at enhancing safety and security during the transportation of Nuclear and Radioactive materials.

“It is necessary to hold the training in order to enhance corporation between Zambia and Zimbabwe and develop a harmonised system of accountancy, control and transport of nuclear and other radioactive material. Thus, the training will enhance the participant’s knowledge in the safe and secure transportation of Nuclear and Radioactive materials in the country” Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Maleya.

Issued by:

Mr. Boster Dearson Siwila

Executive Director

Radiation Protection Authority

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation also covered the launch of the event (https://www.znbc.co.zm/news/zambia-zimbabwe-radiation-scientists-hold-meeting/)