APA – Kigali (Rwanda) There is general disquiet over a deal already sealed for the building of a civil nuclear reactor in Rwanda, with safety issues already being raised.
The Chairman of Rwanda Democratic Green Party (RDGP), Dr Frank Habineza on Sunday strongly criticised the recent decision by Rwandan authorities to start constructing the first demonstration Dual Fluid nuclear reactor to be operational by 2026.
“We are deeply concerned because there are dangers associated with this nuclear power to be constructed in Rwanda,” Dr Habineza told APA in an interview.
According to Dr Habineza, there is evidence of direct and indirect health effects of the nuclear power plant disasters for communities living in the neighbourhood.
” Rwanda, with more than 13 million people, is the most densely populated country (…) building the test nuclear power reactor presents a safety issue to local communities,” Dr Habineza warned.
Under the latest deal, Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) has agreed to provide the site and infrastructure, while Dual Fluid Energy Inc.- a Canadian-German leading nuclear technology firm has committed to take on responsibility for the technical implementation of the project.
Equally beneficial, Rwandan scientists will be given practical training in the field of nuclear technology.
Rwanda has so far partnered with Russia to train nuclear scientists and construct a training center and research reactor in Kigali.
But the opposition group said the decision was not appropriate.
CU/as/APA