Nkurenkuru: The Kavango West Region on Wednesday hosted a regional consultation to collect community input on Namibia's Draft Nuclear Bill. Speaking at the meeting, Kavango West Governor, Verna Sinimbo, highlighted that the bill aims to establish new national institutions, enhance regulatory oversight, and promote the peaceful use of nuclear technologies while ensuring compliance with Namibia's international obligations. She emphasized the need for a modern legal framework to govern the application of nuclear science and technology, ensuring high standards of safety, security, and environmental protection.According to Namibia Press Agency, the bill sets out new institutions and stronger oversight to meet international standards. Governor Sinimbo acknowledged public concerns about nuclear technologies and urged participants to weigh practical benefits alongside safeguards, noting that the term 'nuclear' often raises apprehensions. She elaborated on the benefits of nuclear technologies, which include advancem ents in medical diagnosis and cancer treatment, agricultural productivity, food safety, water resource management, environmental monitoring, scientific research, and industrial development.Dauphin Matomola, the secretariat representative in Namibia of the Atomic Energy Board, stated that community input is crucial for shaping legislation to establish the Nuclear Commission, the Nuclear Institute of Namibia, and the Radiation and Nuclear Regulatory Authority. Matomola emphasized that public input is essential to a law that protects people and the environment while building confidence in the system. He mentioned that the proposal would regulate the peaceful use of nuclear applications and technologies, radiation sources, nuclear and radioactive materials, and facilities, also repealing the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act of 2005.Governor Sinimbo linked the bill to Namibia's uranium profile, asserting that oversight is a national duty and that all nuclear-related activities must be governed with t ransparency, accountability, and adherence to internationally accepted standards. She remarked that the bill aims to balance innovation with safety, economic opportunity with environmental stewardship, and national development with the constitutional obligation to protect citizens' wellbeing. Sinimbo encouraged open participation and commended the nationwide outreach efforts.