Sierra Leone Radiation Protection Board ends awareness on new Act 2012
The Radiation Protection Board at the ministry of Energy has concluded a two-day national sensitization workshop to raise public awareness on the recently enacted Radiation Protection Act 2012.
The workshop held 4th-5th February 2013 at the Hill Valley Hotel also discussed the role and safety of nuclear energy in the business of the developing atmosphere of Sierra Leone.
During the awareness raising activities, the Executive Secretary of the Radiation Protection Board, Josephus Konjo explained the importance of the new Radiation Protection Act which is to meet the increasing mining activities taking place in all regions including the high rate of medical equipments imported into the country. The Executive Secretary went on to praise the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Energy for their tremendous efforts in making sure adequate policies are put in place for large mining companies coming into the country.
Mr. Konjo observed to the participants that the 2001 RPB Act was not strong enough to meet international standards, adding that the IAEA is now considering Sierra Leone for support.
IAEA foreign representative at the meeting, Ibrahim Shaddah noted that the Global Nuclear Agency is now satisfied with the progress made by Sierra Leone and that more support will be given to boost the Sierra Leone radiation program.
Making a keynote speech to open the awareness raising ceremony, the Minister of Energy, Oluniyi Robin-Coker commended the efforts made by the RPB despite inadequate funds to carry out all activities nationwide.
The Energy minister expressed gratitude over the expansion of RPB activities nationwide and promised them additional support in the coming years.
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Saidu Kamara
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Ionizing radiation is beneficial to mankind. Some applications and practices of radiation includes mining, medical industries, research, oil and gas production and well logging etc.
8th February 2013However there are risk associated with radiation practices and therefore needs to be regulated for protection and safety of humans and environment. The effects of radiation can be stochastic (chronic exposure) and deterministic (acute exposure). In recent times radiation materials are used by terrorist for malicious purposes .
In Sierra Leone, current ionizing radiation practices are in mining with Sierra Rutile being a typical example, industries, research in education and agriculture, oil and gas exploration.
Well logging and oil and gas production uses dangerous radioactive sources. Thank God the Government has enacted the new radiation act 2012 making the very strong to carry out it activities.