Lloyd Mbiba
RADIATION Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) says it is readying itself to check radiation from second hand vehicles imported mainly from Japan and United Kingdom (UK).
Zimbabwe, for years, has been battling with climate change that has led to a series of droughts that have left millions seeking food aid.
Ex Japanese and UK imported vehicles are accused of emitting exhaust gasses and radiation that negatively impacts on the climate.
These gasses and radiation have exacerbated climate change and left Zimbabweans on the short end of the stick, battling food shortages.
In an interview with The Zambezi Times Chamunorwa Murava, corporate communications officer at RPAZ said ex-Japanese vehicles are a danger in Zimbabwe.
Said Murava: “Following the Japan Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2013, radioactive release and fall out radionuclides may have led to contamination of such vehicles.
“Moreover, radioactive releases have also been detected across Europe with potential for fall out radionuclides contaminating vehicles and other imports, some of which may find their way into the country.
“As such, monitoring vehicles for radioactive contamination is imperative for continuous verification and confirmation that contaminated vehicles are not imported into the country in line with international best practices.”
RPAZ is a regulatory body established under the Radiation Protection Act [Chapter 15:15] with a mandate to protect the people and the environment from the adverse effects of ionising radiation.
According to RPAZ, Zimbabwe imports up to 2400-3000 second hand vehicles each month, through Beitbridge border post while other border posts process ever 1000 vehicles combined.
Murava further said plans to track radioactive contamination are at an advanced stage.
“Plans are at an advanced stage to ensure that RPAZ carries out the radioactive contamination monitoring for vehicles and other imports,” said Murava.
Zimbabweans, are importing ex-Japanese and ex-Japanese due to the dire economic situation.
The vehicles stand accused of polluting the air
