Robust dialogue on nuclear bill

The proposed nuclear bill was the focus of the final national public consultation held by the Ministry of Health and Social Services on Friday, 17 July, at the Khomas Regional Council offices in Windhoek.

The proposed legislation would replace the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act of 2005.

Axel Tibinyane, director of the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Regulator and secretary of the Atomic Energy Board, led the consultation and moderated discussions from participants.

Khomas Regional Council chairperson Sterfanus Megameno Ndengu, Windhoek Rural councillor Willem Gariseb and Windhoek East regional councillor Jochen Traut attended the meeting.

Traut raised concerns about delays in passing legislation, saying it had taken a decade for the proposed bill to reach the consultation stage and that parliamentary processes could take a further five to 10 years. “It took 10 years to get to this bill, and it takes five to 10 years to get through parliament,” he said.

Traut also questioned the use of the term “nuclear” in the bill’s title, suggesting that greater emphasis should be placed on “radiation”. He further criticised what he described as the creation of unnecessary administrative structures, referring to the proposed establishment of several new institutions and leadership positions.

“I am seriously concerned about the funding of this. How will this be funded?” he asked.

Tanja Dahl, chief executive officer of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association, raised concerns about what she described as gaps in the proposed legislation. “There is nothing regarding extractive measures such as in-situ leaching, for which there are plans for Namibia, while it is not regulated.”

Dahl also questioned whether the bill provided sufficient clarity on where nuclear facilities would be permitted and expressed concern that it could allow the country to become a destination for spent fuel and nuclear waste.

‘Dumping prohibited’

Tibinyane, however, said the Namibian Constitution prohibits the dumping of nuclear waste in the country.

Gideon Shilongo of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group highlighted concerns from the business sector about the number of regulatory requirements companies already face. “Industry entities struggle to operate. It is a problem to comply in terms of timelines and costs. Some businesses require up to 100 different permits and licences. For businesses, it becomes a nightmare,” he said.

Shilongo suggested that the proposed regulatory framework should consider ways to reduce administrative burdens and support economic activity. “We need to also talk about how to make it easier for value addition to take place, for business to take place,” he said.

He proposed that implementation could begin on a smaller scale, with fewer institutions initially responsible for oversight.

Following the conclusion of the public consultations, Tibinyane said his team would consolidate feedback received from the regions and consider possible amendments. “We will need to get direction for policy changes,” he said.

Written submissions on the proposed bill are still being accepted until 31 July and can be submitted by email to [email protected].