23 Sep 2015

Nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation are global concerns that must be dealt with in a coordinated manner to minimise the various inherent risks, the Minister of Infrastructure Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, has said. 

Addressing the 59^th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Austria, Mr Molefi said Botswana remained committed to the implementation of relevant international instruments in relation to nuclear safety, security and safeguards. 

Recently, infrastructure, science and technology minister said Botswana ratified the Amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and he encouraged other member states to do so. 

“There has been real momentum in recent years towards its entry into force, which is one of the most significant measures which the world could adopt to strengthen nuclear security. 

Nuclear safety and nuclear security cannot be dealt with in isolation. ‘’This must also involve non-proliferation and disarmament,” a press release quotes the minister. He said the agency is crucial to achieving the goals of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful, safe and secure uses of nuclear energy. 

“In this regard, I would like on behalf of my country to express profound appreciation to the US government, the European Union and the IAEA for the assistance extended to Botswana and other countries in the region to address the threat of nuclear safety and security,” the release says. 

He also expressed appreciation for the bilateral assistance rendered to Botswana by the Department of Energy (US) through the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) for nuclear security upgrades in the facilities with significant radiation sources and nuclear waste management. 

“I would like to encourage member states to conclude Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols, which enable thorough inspections and strengthen the system’s capability for detecting undeclared nuclear material and activities.” 

This, he said, would buttress safeguards regime and promote greater confidence among states in the peaceful use of nuclear material. 

To strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the regulatory legislative framework and infrastructure, the minister said the government of Botswana had requested for Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission in 2017. 

The review mission, he said should enhance the effective independence of the regulatory body in ensuring that the body fulfills its core mandate of ensuring the safe uses of nuclear technology in the country.  

Furthermore, Mr Molefhi said Botswana was also participating in the African Regional Co-operative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA). 

The immense benefits of this AFRA projects, he said were also being realised in the fields of agriculture, human health, and food and nutrition. 

“It was therefore prudent that we accede to the 5^th extension of AFRA of which we submitted the Instrument of Accession,” he said. Botswana Government, the minister said had also recently submitted an instrument of accession to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. 

This joint convention, he said would assist in ensuring that there was safe management of radioactive waste and disused sources, adding that plans were underway for the construction of a radioactive waste management and storage facility.  

Mr Molefi expressed gratitude to the agency for its continued support and assistance to ensure that Botswana benefited from the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Ends