Zimpapers Logo

Leonard Ncube, [email protected] 

THE Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) has called on industries across all economic sectors to embrace radiation technology while ensuring the safety of workers and the general public. 

The RPAZ emphasised that the adoption of radiation technology is crucial for the country’s socio-economic development, as it plays a significant role in various applications, including medical treatments, industrial processes, and scientific research. 

By implementing radiation technology safely and effectively, industries can enhance productivity, improve health outcomes, and contribute to national growth. The RPAZ’s appeal highlights the importance of adhering to safety standards and regulations to protect both workers and the community from potential radiation hazards.

The RPAZ recently conducted a two-day national radiation safety and security workshop for managers and decision-makers in Victoria Falls, to provide concise, yet comprehensive information and knowledge of applicable national and international regulations and standards.

The workshop provided relevant information for the mid-to-senior management level to help strengthen the safety and security culture at workplaces for the protection of workers, the public, and the environment against the effects of radiation.

Speaking at the workshop, the RPAZ chief executive Mr Justice Chipuru said while Zimbabwe is still among the low-risk countries yet to adopt some high-end technologies, the uptake of nuclear and radiative technology is expected to rise as the country drives towards an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

“This workshop was meant to raise awareness around issues of radiation and safety protection and as an opportunity to share experiences so that they can support technocrats at their workplace and implement the Radiation Protection Act,” he said.

“This is the third workshop and we will continue to have this until we have reached an acceptable threshold because we now have over 500 facilities that are using radiative technologies in various sectors.” 

Mr Chipuru said the RPAZ is readying itself and awaits the finalisation of the Radiation Protection Amendment Bill which has passed the Cabinet Committee stage and is due to be presented in Cabinet before going to Parliament.

The RPAZ is also going towards assessing water and food sources in the country to ascertain radiation levels in line with international requirements.

“As an authority in line with our strategic focus under NDS1, we have been building laboratory capacity so that we carry out tests of radio nuclei in water, food and any materials. Some of the materials that go for export would require radiation certificates for safe use,” said Mr Chipuru.

“We are ready to make sure that whatever we are consuming is safe. Radiation technology is very beneficial for socioeconomic development, so we urge industries that are involved in the use of these technologies to follow regulatory requirements so that all people can be protected.”

Mr Chipuru said the law prohibits the use of radiation material by unlicensed operators and the regulatory authority carries out enforcement and prohibits prospective violators. Workplaces are also encouraged to clearly label their spaces while workers should put on badges to ensure safety.

Rio Zim Murowa’s head of health, safety, environment and quality department, Mr Emanuel Chigwa said the mining entity complies with regulations.

“We have learnt a lot about the amendment of the Radiation Protection Act which was enacted in 2004. It’s quite helpful for us as a business as we get to learn new clauses that are coming in with the Bill,” he said.

“As a business, we have been compliant with the Act concerning the use of radiation sources. For our operations, we use these for processing diamond sorters and medical centres. We have gained a lot from this workshop which will help us.”

Mr Chigwa said businesses have the legal responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and commended the RPAZ for establishing a centre for keeping disused radiation sources which will boost safety confidence in workers.

Acting Mutare town clerk, Ms Emma Mandiziva said the awareness campaign was an eye-opener for local authorities to appreciate the importance of focusing on radiation and putting mechanisms in place to monitor service delivery.

“My view of our raw water extraction, treatment and how we convey our sewer has changed. Our focus has been on making sure residents get potable water and not monitoring radiation and road equipment which have some kind of radiation,” she said. —@ncubeleon