Government to improve Nuclear material safety

Government to improve Nuclear material safety

Pretty Manyewe

Government has approved the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Convention on Nuclear Safety.

These Amendments will demonstrate Zimbabwe’s commitment to the achievement and maintenance of worldwide effective physical protection of nuclear facilities materials for peaceful purposes. They will also enable the country to improve its protection of public health and safety, the environment, and national and international peace and security.

Speaking at a post Cabinet media briefing in Harare, Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Jenfan Muswere, standing in for Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said the Convention on Nuclear Safety seeks to achieve and maintain a high level of nuclear safety across the world.

“The Convention on Nuclear Safety seeks to achieve and maintain a high level of nuclear safety across the world through the enhancement of national measures and international co-operation, including technical co-operation. It also seeks to establish and maintain effective defences in nuclear installations against potential radiological hazards in order to protect individuals, society and the environment as well as to mitigate the consequences of accidents should they occur.”

Ratification of the Convention will therefore enable Zimbabwe to play its part in enhancing global nuclear security and also presents an important opportunity for Zimbabwe to adopt and adhere to international standards of safety in relation to nuclear energy.

He described the Amendments to the convention on the Physical Protection of nuclear material saying,
“The Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material is the only legally binding undertaking in the area of physical protection of nuclear material, and establishes measures related to the detection, prevention and punishment of nuclear materials’ offences.”

“The Amendment aims to extend and enhance the scope of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material to cover the physical protection of nuclear facilities and materials used for peaceful purposes. The amendments criminalise offences related to the smuggling and sabotage of nuclear facilities and materials. It also provides for strengthened international co-operation.”

All in all, these amendments will provide a sound foundation for the regulatory and legislative framework for effective physical protection of nuclear facilities and materials.