The Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) and the Zambia Police Service (ZPS) have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity in radiation protection, nuclear safety, and security. Under the partnership, the two institutions will collaborate to establish a National Nuclear Security Support Centre, conduct joint research, develop specialised training programmes, and share equipment. The agreement also provides for the deployment of radiation protection experts to support police operations.
RPA Executive Director, Dr. Boster Siwila, and Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, signed the agreement in Lusaka on Thursday. Siwila said the agreement provides a framework for stronger collaboration between the RPA and law enforcement agencies.
“This partnership is timely and forward-looking. Effective radiation and nuclear safety cannot be achieved alone and requires collaboration with law enforcement agencies,” he said. He added that the focus would be on “preventing, detecting, responding to, and investigating incidents involving radioactive and nuclear materials.” Siwila emphasised that as Zambia explored the peaceful application of nuclear technologies for development, it was essential to first build strong security systems and human capacity.
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“The agreement also sets out clear governance arrangements, performance management, joint resource mobilisation, and financial accountability guided by approved project proposals,” he said. He further stressed that Zambia remained committed to non-proliferation and that all nuclear and radioactive materials entering the country will be used strictly for peaceful purposes, including energy, health, agriculture, and research. Meanwhile, Musamba said the partnership would enhance training, research, and operational readiness in radiation and nuclear security.
“The partnership reflects our shared commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Zambia. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
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