Plan to protect public, environment from harmful effects of radiation unveiled

The Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) has launched its 2023-2026 strategic plan focused on ensuring the protection of the public and the environment from the possible harmful effects of radiation.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, said government was committed to reviewing Ionising Radiation Protection Act no.16 of 2005 expected to be presented to Cabinet in the first quarter of 2024.

In a speech read on his behalf by Permenent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, the minister said government was committed to creating a conducive environment that ensured RPA thrived within its mandate.

He said at the launch in Lusaka on Thursday that Cabinet on December 18, this year approved the issuance of the Ionising Protection Authority.

“This can be demonstrated through the commitment to review the Ionising Radiation Protection Act no 16 of 2005 to not only strengthen the mandate of the authority, but expand its scope of work. It is expected that the bill will be taken to cabinet in the first quarter of 2024,” he said.

RPA Board Chairperson Brigadier General, Adrian Maleya, made a request to government for a creation of a monitoring station that would gather accurate and adquate information.

This, he said, was meant to assist government in decision making, instead of dependency on social media information.

“The board shall provide the necessary oversight over management on the implementation of the strategic plan to ensure the protection of the public, workers. patients and the environment from the harmful effects that may arise from the use of radiation in the country and beyond,” he said.

Authority Executive Director, Booster Siwila, said the strategic plan was divided into three thematic areas which included the radiation regulatory excellence resulting into safe and secure people and the environment.

Siwila said the plan further looked at communication and collaboration resulting into effective execution of programmes.

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