Zambia Launches Nuclear Policy Blueprint

LUSAKA, Dec 19 (NNN-ZANIS) – Zambia launched a nuclear policy, meant to provide guidance to the country’s national nuclear programme.

The National Nuclear Policy was meant to put the nation, on a path to exploit nuclear technology.

Minister of Higher Education, Brian Mushimba, said during the launch that, the policy will guide the country in the implementation of nuclear programmes that protects human life and the environment.

The Zambian minister said, the launch was an indication that the country was on a path to exploit nuclear technology, as it will ensure utilisation of science and technology.

According to him, there was evidence indicating that countries that embraced nuclear science witnessed technological advancements in various sectors.

The uptake of nuclear technology will contribute to advancements in the health, agriculture, mining and energy sectors, he added.

The policy was expected to strengthen the legal, institutional, and operational framework of nuclear science and technology in the country.

The Zambian cabinet approved the policy last month, following concerns that despite the government applying nuclear science and technology for development since 1969, the country has no policy to guide the utilisation of nuclear science and technology.

Zambia’s nuclear programme will see the country constructing a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, as well as, the construction of a nuclear power plant.