Health and Social Services Minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, has implored the public and private sectors to embrace and support the establishment of the envisioned National Nuclear Research Centre for sustainability and self-reliance.

The centre is expected to conduct specialised training programmes for technical and non-technical personnel from policy regulatory, uranium mining companies and agriculturalists, among others.

Shangula, at the opening of the inaugural National Nuclear Science and Technology Conference in Windhoek on Tuesday, stressed that Namibia’s success hinges on the strength of institutions and systems, which in this case include the capacity to conduct research, deploy knowledge, skills and innovations for sustainable development.

“Focus should therefore be placed on how technology can serve to provide solutions to the development challenges faced daily by ordinary people and policy makers, regulators and stakeholders should focus on finding solutions to how the application of technology positively impacts them during this conference.

“We are mindful of the fact that nuclear technology has the potential to solve many economic and social problems in our society. For these reasons the policy framework we have put in place speaks directly to these issues,” he noted.

The conference was organised by the Atomic Energy Board of Namibia and is taking place under the theme: “Nuclear Science and Technology as catalyst for development in Namibia.”

Shangula highlighted that the enactment and operationalisation of the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act of 2005 is the legislative instrument that provides for the protection of people and the environment against harmful effects of radiation, as well as radioactive and nuclear materials.

“Namibia has made progress in improving its regulatory architecture for nuclear and radiation safety and security. This is to ensure compliance to international treaties, conventions, regulations and standards in radiation safety, security and safeguards. It underpins our commitment to fulfil our national obligations in the area of nuclear non-proliferation and provides assurance that all nuclear materials and activities within national borders are exclusively for peaceful uses.”

Shangula noted that there are ongoing discussions to identify and deploy flagship projects that can catalyse the nuclear sector in Namibia.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency