Proposed Radiation facility to ensure public safety, promote development:

source: Republic of Botswana (16/8/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 21 of 2009
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
“Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline”


D4) 13/8/09: Proposed Radiation facility to ensure public safety, promote development:

The Department of Radiation Protection would like to allay any possible public concerns that may have been raised as a result of reports about the proposed radiation source storage facility in Pilikwe area.

The proposed facility has been specifically designed to ensure that disused or spent radiation sources are kept in a safe and secure manner. The facility will thus serve the nation by preventing spent radiation sources from entering the public domain or being used in illicit activities.

In accordance with Radiation Protection Act 2006, it is the mandate of the Department of Radiation Protection to provide for the safe use of nuclear technology to protect the public, environment and users against adverse effects of radiation.

Radioactive sources, equipment and material are currently being used in a number of industries in Botswana, such as at mines, hospitals, research institutions, construction sites, and breweries. Used sources from such facilities need to be kept in a secure and safe environment before they can be can be disposed of, which will be the purpose of the proposed facility.

In identifying Pilikwe as the site of the proposed facility the following factors were taken into consideration:

• its location close to the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, and
• its access to Martin’s Drift Road, which will make it easier to transport sources outside of the country for disposal or reconditioning.

It is anticipated that residents of Pilikwe and the surrounding villages will benefit during both the construction and operational phases of the proposed project through employment creation and infrastructure development.

Finally, it may be noted that nuclear technology has become a key component in the advancement of health, agriculture, industry, and research development in modern economies.

For further enquiries please contact:
Public Relations Office,
Ministry of Communications, Science & Technology,
Tel: 3612004/3907230