Zambia and Russia sign nuclear deals

123rf.com

Rosatom deputy director-general Nickolay Spassky signed the MoU on behalf of Russia, while the Zambian delegation was led by secretary to the cabinet, Roland Msiska, who oversaw the signing process done by relevant permanent secretaries.

The deal entails that within 15 years, Russia will assist Zambia train young nuclear energy engineers, plan for nuclear power plant personnel, develop a nuclear energy regulator and build a nuclear plant, which will provide medicine, agricultural services and energy.

"This is the result of the instruction by President Lungu for the country to develop nuclear energy to respond to challenges of load-shedding and reduce the cost of medicine and agriculture," Msiska said.

Cooperation in nuclear safety

The second agreement was between the ministry of health and Rostechnadzor, which would strengthen cooperation in nuclear safety and regulation.

This MoU will pave way for the Russian Federation to assist Zambia to enhance the capacity of the Radiation Protection Authority by developing a regulatory framework appropriate for heightened nuclear and radiation activities.

Creating public awareness

The third MoU is between the ministry of information and broadcasting services and Rosatom on cooperation in enhancement of public awareness of nuclear energy in Zambia.

Information and broadcasting services permanent secretary, Godfrey Malama, who signed one of the agreements, said the government expected communication agents to effectively convey messages that would positively impact on citizens for the successful development of the nuclear programme.

Malama said the agreement was aimed at enhancing public awareness and acceptance of nuclear energy in the country using the experience and expertise of the Russian Federation.

He said Zambia would work jointly with the Russian Federation to develop educational materials on nuclear energy in both English and local languages to promote and increase public awareness on nuclear energy.

Training

The fourth is a project development agreement between JSC Rosatom Overseas and ministry of high education for the construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Zambia.

Ministry of higher education permanent secretary, Owen Mugemezulu said Zambia was hungry for development and Rosatom would respond to that need.

He said the government would plan for a nuclear law.