27 Sep 2020

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe has expressed gratitude to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for donating equipment that will contribute to the rapid detection of COVID-19.

Addressing the 64^th regular session of the IAEA General Conference, which was held virtually, under the theme: Nuclear Power and the Clean Energy Transition, Dr Letsholathebe said the equipment would improve the turnaround time for the COVID-19 test results.

Noting that regulatory activities had not been spared by the impact of COVID-19, he said it was critical to revisit the regulatory processes and come up with solutions that would allow for minimal disruptions and continuity in emergencies.

The minister also highlighted that gaps in regulatory oversight during this unprecedented times may provide opportunity for criminals and other unscrupulous people to access radioactive and nuclear materials for use in criminal activities.

Meanwhile, Dr Letsholathebe said the implementation rate of projects undertaken under the IAEA Technical Cooperation programme in Botswana was at 79.9 per cent, which he attributed to IAEA’s commitment to ensuring that projects were implemented, despite the disruptions to the traditional working arrangements caused by COVID-19.

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister said, Botswana was committed to honouring contributions to the Working Capital Fund, Regular Budget and to the Technical Cooperation Fund to support IAEA activities.

He further implored nations and individuals to play their part in the fight against COVID-19.

The five day conference, which commenced on September 21, was virtually attended by high level officials from governments and NGOs, scientists, researchers and policy makers. Ends