Thursday, March 28, 2024

Planned construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology will support Zambia’s diversification agenda

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President Edgar Lungu when the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Dr. Yukiya Amano paid a courtesy call on him at State House on Wednesday, 24th January, 2018. Pictures by Thomas Nsama/State House
President Edgar Lungu when the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Dr. Yukiya Amano paid a courtesy call on him at State House on Wednesday, 24th January, 2018. Pictures by Thomas Nsama/State House

Rosatom Central and Southern Africa Communications Director Ryan Collyer says the construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology will support the country’s diversification agenda from over dependence on copper.

The planned center’s laboratories will allow for more accurate and efficient study of materials and samples such as rock composition to identify valuable materials and resources, which will increase economic benefits and export potential.

This is because the Center will effectively contribute to the country’s economic growth as it will see many developments such as job creation, growth of demand in other sectors of the economy, Mr. Collyer says .

Rosatom Central and Southern Africa Communications Director said this during a Nuclear Public Relations Boot camp in Lusaka today.

“ The plant will see the coming of different skilled man-power which will cater for different sectors of the economy such as agriculture, the medical sector such as the cancer treatment, “ he said.

He stated that the plant will also bring on board industry and construction sector development, social infrastructure development and export opportunities among others.

It is important for the Zambian people to be empowered with information and understand the benefits of the development so they may appreciate the move by government, Mr Mr. Collyer stated.

He appealed to all stakeholders to get on board and contribute to the dissemination of information to the public.

Speaking at the same event, University of Zambia ( UNZA ) Marketing Officer Joseph Siwo commended government for taking up the initiative to improve the living standards of the ordinary Zambians as the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Mr. Siwo stated that government need to do more to disseminate information so that the negative myths are eradicated adding that most people are skeptical about it because they do not fully understand much about nuclear energy and technologies.

Mr. Siwo also called upon government to invest funds in research towards nuclear science as the country can effectively utilize the country’s raw materials and develop local expertise in treatments of cancer.

He also called upon institutions such as the University of Zambia to take advantage of the knowledge of nuclear energy to explore the technology as it could probably be a way for fundraising for the country.

“ The sooner the institution grasps the expertise of the science the better as government could use the institution to process and be more strategic in giving expertise knowledge than outsourcing experts from outside the country, “ he said..

He said there are a lot of physicists at UNZA and those specializing in nuclear physics should take the opportunity for them to explore opportunities available in the nuclear industry.

The development of the Center will contribute to the development of science and education, Mr. Siwo further explained .

Recently government signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia for the construction of the Nuclear Centre in Chongwe Constituency.

9 COMMENTS

  1. No No No we do not want this for the simple reason that we do not have the capacity to dispose the nuclear waste and this will pose a danger to the country and a community in particular.
    Benefits rea there yes but looking at ow things are managed here, we will run ourselves in trouble maningi!

  2. These chaps should not even think of Nuclear in Africa. He has damaged the economy for the future generations now you want to damage the land and natural habit. This country is cursed to have elected useless leaders with useless ideas.

  3. Rather than waste money on things that will negatively affect the environment. Please construction a specialized centre for agriculture

    • Its normal for people to be afraid of things they don’t understand . make a research and see what you will find other than condemning things that other countries are thriving on

  4. We have Scientists in Zambia and are quiet while politicians are roaming in their area of concern Is it right to start a fight we cannot hope to win? I can foresee problems being created for Zambia while the host country gets richer.

  5. All this is nonsensical really – For a population of 17m , we have only tapped in 20% of of our Hydro Power potential. As for solar we haven’t even scratched the surface. If our solar and hydro power were to be developed fully we can be the major export of power to half of Africa. Now – how do you think of Nuclear with its associated calamities when you dont even have a single nuclear scientist in the country. This issue should be debated in parliament fully so that the electorate can decide who listens to them. A very serious matter that you cant put under the carpet

    • Why are people so backward and negative? climate change is already affecting rain patterns. Look at Cape Town? Closer home Kariba was almost dry and affected power generation.
      We are exporting Uranium to other countries why not utilize some locally in partnership with countries with enough experience? Fi UPND KWWF.

  6. Childish talking to the former Ivory Coast coach: “Coach, you could have won this game, you were robbed!”
    Coach, “We created a lot of chances but we lost. Who robbed us?”
    Childish, “By the referee!” Coach, “How?” Childish, “He should have sent one or two players who roughed up Gervinho but only gave you a penalty! You must report the referee to the UN!”
    Coach, “To FIFA, you mean?” Childish, “No! to the UN! As a soccer fun and future Zambian president I will write the UN on your behalf!”
    Coach, “Childish, that is childish!”

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