Luthando Mapepa
Correspondent
AIR Force of Zimbabwe Commander, Air Marshal John Nzvede, has called for stronger cooperation among Government departments and emergency response agencies to improve preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergencies.
Speaking at the end of a five-day training seminar at Grand Reef in Mutare yesterday, Air Marshal Nzvede said no single institution can effectively manage such emergencies without support from other stakeholders.
He said nuclear and radiological incidents can result from accidents at medical facilities, industrial activities involving radioactive materials or deliberate acts of nuclear terrorism, threatening public health, national security and economic stability.
Air Marshal Nzvede said the exercises demonstrated encouraging levels of cooperation and professionalism, while highlighting areas requiring further improvement.
He said the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is prepared to support civilian authorities through transport, medical assistance, aerial surveillance, engineering services and decontamination of areas affected by radioactive materials.
The training comes as Zimbabwe expands the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology in health, agriculture, mining and energy, increasing the need for effective safety and emergency response systems.
The seminar combined classroom lessons with practical exercises at Forbes Border Post and Grand Reef Airport.
Participants were trained in identifying nuclear security threats, strengthening border controls and coordinating responses among different agencies.
AFZ calls for coordinated response to nuclear emergencies
