26/04/2024
📣STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP FOR DRAFTING OF NUCLEAR SAFETY AND SECURITY BILL📣
From April 22nd to April 24th, 2024, the Radiation Protection Inspectorate organized an important workshop for drafting the Nuclear Safety and Security Bill. This workshop was attended by representatives from Government and the private sector.
The Director of the Inspectorate, Mrs. Tshegofatso Zwikula, officially opened this important event, emphasizing its significance by stating, “This workshop, Ladies and Gentlemen, serves as an awareness and consultative forum for stakeholders to have an input and ownership of the proposed draft Nuclear Safety and Security Bill of 2024, before its implementation” she went on to further state that, “The IAEA experts established that the current Radiation Protection Act, of 2006 does not adequately cover all elements of a comprehensive legislation for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear applications, in line with the relevant IAEA nuclear safety and security standards and international legal instruments to which Botswana is party to”. As such, a recommendation was made to Government to review the current Radiation Protection Act of 2006, to address the identified legal and regulatory shortfalls.
The objective of the draft Bill, among others, is to review and amend the Radiation Protection Act (Cap. 24:03), to ensure that Botswana meets its obligations under the relevant international instruments by:
• allowing for the beneficial and justified uses of ionizing radiation;
• providing for adequate protection of people and the environment against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation and for the security of nuclear and radioactive sources;
• continuing the Radiation Protection Board, as the Nuclear Safety and Security Board, a body corporate capable of suing and being sued in its own name;
• ensuring that the transportation, storage and disposal of nuclear and radioactive materials are regulated; and
• ensuring that a national inventory list of nuclear and radioactive sources is maintained.
Enjoy these snapshots from our workshop, where stakeholders united for a safer tomorrow.