Govt launches radiative management facilities

Jethro Murahwi

The Minister of Energy and Power Development, Soda Zhemu, has hailed the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ), following the launch of radiative sources management facilities in Hatcliffe, Harare.

“We toured to observe the building and I actually appreciate that it’s being constructed in a safe and secure manner.

“People must not panic because RPAZ has taken all necessary requisite precautions to make sure the building is safe,” he said.

RPAZ chief executive officer, Justice Chipuru, said waste management facilities are among projects being undertaken in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to house disused radiation sources management facilities to ensure they are used in a safe and secure manner.

“The disused radiation facility project is funded by the Government in line with the Radiation Protection Act to house disused radiation sources used across the country.

Chipuru said the programme is not merely there to help Zimbabwe but the Southern Africa region since Zimbabwe is the first country in Southern Africa to launch disused radiation sources management facilities.

“This has the capacity to manage all national requirements as well as assist other countries in the region when an appropriate framework agreement has been established.

“We are working in line with national policies that anyone who imports radiative sources into the country is supposed to take them back to their country of origin for recycling purposes, but we found that companies face different challenges and it took long for them to do so.”