Zambian leader asks for support from global nuclear energy body on atomic energy use

LUSAKA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Wednesday asked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for support to enable the southern African energy diversify its energy sector through the use of nuclear energy.

Zambia needs assistance in getting advanced equipment to promote nuclear energy as well as with guidelines that will enable people comply with rules and regulation of nuclear science, the Zambian leader told Yukiya Amano, director general of the Vienna-based IAEA, at their meeting in the State House.

Lungu said Zambians need to be sensitized on the use and benefits of nuclear energy, and that the adoption of nuclear energy will go a long way to enhance development in the country, according to a statement issued by the State House.

On his part, the IAEA chief said his organization is willing to share its experience with Zambia and to help the Zambian government in formulating and establishing a legal framework on the use of nuclear science and in building capacity on nuclear power.

The IAEA, he said, will send a team of experts to Zambia to assist in the areas of interest and trace the viability of the sector.

Amano expressed gratitude over Zambia's moves to embrace nuclear science, which is currently being used at the Cancer Disease Hospital, and the establishment of satellite cancer centers in other parts of the country, the State House statement said. Enditem