State blocks transportation of radioactive materials
Published On November 11, 2015 » 1450 Views» By Administrator Times » Latest News, Stories
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By HOPE BWALYA –
The Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) aimed at preventing illegal transportation of radioactive materials in the country.
Under the MoU, RTSA will help the Authority to enforce the illegal transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials as well as prevent trans-boundary and illicit trafficking of the materials at border points.
RPA executive director Boster Siwila said the agreement, which was signed on Monday, would prevent drivers and pedestrians from getting exposed to radioactive materials which could cause cancer and damage the environment.
“The Authority saw the need to collaborate with RTSA in order to detect and enforce the illegal transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials in the country.
“I personally believe that this will go a long way in protecting the public, workers and the environment from harmful effects of ionising radiation that may arise during transportation of radiation devices and materials in Zambia,” Mr Siwila said.
He said there were a number of institutions currently using ionising radiation in the application of nuclear science and technology for the benefit of Zambia.
The practices included those in health, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, research and training as well as radioactive materials and road construction industries.
Despite the beneficial use, radioactive and nuclear materials are potentially harmful and could affect health and the environment. The materials are also dangerous if they are used by persons with malicious intentions or wrong motives.
RTSA executive director Zindaba Soko said commodities with ionised radiation were a road safety concern.
Mr Soko said the MoU would enable not just the local transporters, but also foreign ones to monitor the imported and exported materials.
He said one of the major issues the agreement had created was the implementation of monitoring and enforcement activities on the roads to ensure safety of the people.
“Amongst the activities to be implemented was the provision of field officers to undertake the monitoring and enforcement activities, reporting of illegal activities and impounding or detention of non-compliant transporters of radioactive or nuclear materials,” Mr Soko said.
Mr Soko said the three-year partnership would see RTSA staff get training in the detection and monitoring of goods with ionised radiation.

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