Omuthiya: Namibia's draft Nuclear Bill proposes the establishment of three new institutions aimed at regulating radiation, promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology, and strengthening oversight of the country's nuclear sector, according to Chief Radiation Physicist in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Paulus Ngalangi.According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngalangi made these remarks during public consultations on the draft Bill at the Omuthiya Multipurpose Youth Centre. The event, held on Friday, attracted stakeholders from across the Oshikoto Region who gathered to provide input before the legislation is tabled for further consideration. The Bill seeks to modernize Namibia's nuclear legislation by expanding the regulatory scope to include nuclear installations, essential for potential future projects such as a uranium conversion facility or a nuclear power plant.Ngalangi explained that the proposed legislation will establish three key institutions: the Nuclear Commission of Namibia, the Nuc lear Institute of Namibia, and the Radiation and Nuclear Regulatory Authority. These institutions will be tasked with promoting the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, regulating facilities and activities involving radiation and nuclear materials, and ensuring that nuclear-related activities are conducted safely and securely."The objective is to provide for the effective independence of the nuclear regulatory authority and oversight from the nuclear regulatory board, while creating an institutional framework that will promote and develop the nuclear industry," Ngalangi emphasized. This framework includes the establishment of the Nuclear Institute of Namibia and any other institutions necessary to advance the sector's interests.Ngalangi further noted that the Bill aims to strengthen Namibia's legal framework for the safe and secure use of nuclear technology while supporting its application in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, mining, and scientific research. Senior Radiation Physicist Da uphen Matomola added that the proposed law intends to ensure Namibia benefits from atomic energy while protecting people, property, and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.Matomola highlighted that nuclear technology already plays a crucial role in healthcare through disease diagnosis and treatment and supports groundwater research, industrial quality control, environmental monitoring, and food preservation. He also pointed out that the technology has the potential to contribute to electricity generation, seawater desalination, hydrogen production, and other industrial processes, which could support Namibia's long-term social and economic development while ensuring the safe and responsible use of nuclear science and technology.