Stakeholders in the ||Kharas Region have welcomed the Nuclear Bill for its role in advancing socio-economic development.
They shared these sentiments during public consultations on the draft bill held in Keetmanshoop, which provided a platform for inclusive dialogue and stakeholder input.
The draft bill seeks to strengthen Namibia’s legislation and institutional framework governing the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear science and technologies.
Participant Nolene Thompson said the consultation was well conducted and provided an in-depth understanding that reduced resistance to nuclear development.
“It is very well conducted in terms of the explanation provided, which gives an in-depth understanding, which also allows us not to be too resistant to the idea of nuclear development as it unlocks opportunities. As one of the opportunities stated was for the provision of energy, we can produce electricity using the nuclear resource because we do have an opportunity in that sector, provided that we are one of the world’s greatest producers when it comes to uranium,” Thompson said.
Another participant, Charles Jossop, said the session clarified that nuclear power is not only about weapons.
“When we hear about nuclear, sometimes we think about the wars, bombs, etc. But what came out this morning is very clear: when we hear about nuclear power, we can think about electricity and all the other stuff to develop our region, our country, and the world at large,” Jossop said.
The Governor of ||Kharas, Dawid Gertze, highlighted that nuclear development is an inevitable reality that cannot be ignored.
“We talk about nuclear resource mobilisation, green energy and all those things. And nuclear is also moving alongside all these we are talking about lately. The South lately has been kept busy with green hydrogen, oil and gas and all these things. Nuclear energy in its space also got its benefits, but it also has its challenges,” Gertze said.
Joseph Eiman, Deputy Director at the National Radiation Protection Authority within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, outlined the bill’s objectives.
“Strengthening regulatory infrastructure, one; two, make sure there is effective independence of the nuclear regulatory authority and oversight. Number three, provide for the creation of an institute to develop the nuclear industry, the Nuclear Institute of Namibia and its board and any other institution that may be necessary to advance the interest of the sector. So here, the doors are now open. We are saying let’s go, take technology that is freely available there, bring it here, and do it here,” Eiman said.
The consultations are being conducted countrywide.