Soroti university has received technical experts to undertake geotechnical surveys and environmental analysis for the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology being established at Soroti University. These are the international standard procedures undertaken before the commencement of any nuclear facility in the world.
A team from INVAP-SE the Argentine Nuclear Experts, Currie Consultants Limited, contracted to carry out environmental studies and the Queensland and Leeds Consulting Engineers, geotechnical experts on the site for the onsite meeting.
Developed under the strict guideline of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the INVAP-SE, the main contractor and the team is on the ground to undertake site evaluation. The team will carry out Geotechnical analysis, test for earthquakes, Seismic waves, permeability and Dynamic tests among others.
Currie Consultants Limited have been subcontracted to carry out environmental studies which includes meteorological studies, population and land use, hydrology, flood hazards analysis, extreme weather patterns and human induced threats. This is to determine the suitability and safely standards for the nuclear facility.
Queensland and Leeds Consulting Engineers, another local partner agency subcontracted by INVAP-SE will carry out Geotechnical analysis, test for earthquakes, Seismic waves, permeability and Dynamic tests among others.
With international safety standards designed by IAEA and Atomic Energy Council the Centre for nuclear science and technology to be hosted by Soroti university is in strict compliance with the international standards.
Experts on a site visit to Soroti University.
It’s worthy to note that Nuclear science and technology is not new in Africa. Several African states have nuclear facilities. Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Morrocco and Congo are some of the African states with nuclear technology facilities. Uganda is determined to established the Centre for Education and training, research and production purposes. Nuclear experts are needed for the growing demands of the Nuclear industry in the country.
Nuclear technology is applicable in geology and manufacturing Isotopes that are used to date rocks and determine the age of geological events, environmental science Isotopes are used to study climate change, ocean currents, and ecosystem processes, Food science Isotopes are used to authenticate food origins and detect adulteration.
Nuclear medicine isotopes used in medical imaging and cancer treatment. This will go a long way in reducing the burden of training human resources abroad and imports of radioactive materials used in different areas in Uganda.