Nuclear science benefits outlined

Msiska says nuclear acience will not only revolutionise the national economy but also see Zambia reap from taxes and youths will benefit from many jobs that will be created

By Francis Maingaila

(Lusaka 09-08-19) Former Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Roland Msiska has outlined the economic benefit awaiting if the proposed introduction of nuclear science in Zambia materialise.
Dr Msiska who is also ZAMATOM Director told journalists at the PF Interactive Forum held at Longacre Lodge that the demand for Nuclea Science in the world today is very and  this is not unique to Zambia.
He said the successful implementation of the nuclear science will revolutionise the economy.
Once Implemented, Dr. Msiska said, the nuclear science will not only boast the economy but also see the creation of jobs for many unemployed youths in the country.
“Once implemented, the nuclear science will see Zambia reap returns in taxes, power generation and job creation.”
Dr. Msiska said nuclear science in Zambia will be designed in such away that it will not only supplement but also complement the country’s national development plan which run up to 2030.
Instead of going direct to developig the nuclear plant, Msiska clarified, the government has decided to develop a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology which will take up to five years to complete.
With this centre in place, research aimed at discovering solutions to the problems facing Zambia today will be done.”
He added that the technology will also help to diversify the national economy away from the mining on which the country has depended on since independence.
“The importance of the centre is that it will help in the implementation of the Seventh national development plan.”
Some of the direct benefits according to Dr. Msiska are that, the nuclear science in Zambia will not only improve diagnosis and treat of concern but also improve education and skill development in the country.
Other benefits include environmental protection as the country will have developed environmental good practices.
He observed that with nuclear science in place, Zambia will not diversify the use of energy energy which has low carbon emission and this will protect nature.
Unlike oil, coal or natural gas Dr. Msiska explained, nuclear energy will is one of the lowest carbon footprint technologies and has very low lifetime  gas emissions which makes the technology a potent climate change migration option.
He said the government will not not only promote investment in alternative energy sources but also facilitate the passing of comprehensive nuclear bills in parliament.
On the party of ruling party, Dr. Msiska said, it is expected to support the government on domesticating nuear laws  through the amendment of existing laws.
He said in collaboration with the cooperating partners, the government has sent a number of students abroad study nuclear science.
He said the first ever nuclear plant is likely to be complete and commissioned by 2030.
He assured that Zambia is building a strong safety culture that will ensure that no accidents occur in the country as a result of promoting nuclea science.
He said the future of the nuclear  project requires a strong foundation of which Zambia more than determined to ensure that it works to the satisfaction of the international obligations.