Rwanda has approved the setting up of a nuclear power and science center that will enable the country to participate in the latest technological developments by 2050.
Parliament approved on Monday the establishment to witness Rwanda ‘s collaboration with the Russians in sharing nuclear technology expertise after an agreement was reached and signed at Sochi’s first Russia-African Forum in 2019.
This follows the agreement with Russia by the Cabinet to set up a nuclear plant by 2024 to advance the use of nuclear energy for “peaceful purposes,” but this argument did not go without a hit debate.
Tabling the deal MP Nyabyenda said the Parliamentary ICT and Education Committee had scrutinized the Sochi Agreement and wanted it accepted as an incentive for Rwanda to use nuclear energy in education, agriculture , health and science for peaceful and development aspects.
Nyabenda clarified that the center will build jobs for Rwandans as well as shared expertise because it will work in nuclear science with experienced Russians that Rwanda does not have.
“Already the first batch of 50 Rwandans are doing masters in nuclear sciences and will return here to implement the project to improve agriculture research, food and medicine storage, including geological studies,” Nyabenda said.
MPs were worried about the funding source, nuclear waste management and how to minimize future nuclear accidents and how Rwandans would directly benefit.
Dr Frank Habineza said he is not convinced that this is an agreement that Rwanda can take on “its negative impacts that overweight the benefits.”
Habineza argued that the world has seen nuclear energy effects, of which the Chernobyl incident and others are viewed more negatively than positively globally, and demanded accountability on waste management.
“Why do we spend money on something that will kill us and has waste effects? This is a bomb that can blow and kill us in millions and have lasting impact on community and neigbours. How are we going to account for this to the next generation?” Habineza said.
He implored that Rwanda would cancel the agreement because other European countries are de-nuclearizing and other African countries have not bought in the nuclear deal.
MP Nyabyenda, however, clarified that Rwanda has concluded international agreements with an international atomic energy agency to cover feasibility studies of waste management, disposal and regulations on the field.
“Yes, few countries have nuclear in Africa but we as Rwanda are sovereign and can do what is beneficial to us without looking to others that is why we choose to buy in the project,” Nyabyenda said.
Adding that “Rwanda has a plan to do a feasibility study on how to monitor and implement the projects and its impact—in case of an accident,”
MP John Ruku-Rwabyoma interjected saying that since nuclear evolved in history there is no need to be worried.
“It’s like having a gas station near home. Today nuclear science has developed and improved and we should be excited about it and instead teach citizens of its purpose. But instead ask how many jobs for Rwandans in projections?” Rwabyoma said.
MP Pie Nizeyimana was unconvinced that Rwanda needs an evaluation of the benefits and impacts on the economy.
“As we asked the previous year, we want to know how the waste will be managed. After this evaluation, is when we can say its worthy it,” Nizeyimana asked.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Claver Gatate was forced to elaborate after a one hour heated debate on whether the agreement is appropriate for Rwanda to take on given its advantages and potential impacts on the environment and lives.
Gatete said Rwanda would first build on its nuclear expertise, and in addition to the 50 Rwandans on master studies, they would soon be sending 20 more.
“First we will focus on knowledge, others like Uganda, Nigeria, and Egypt are already far if we don’t do it now. You cannot do science, health activities like pharmaceuticals, agriculture without nuclear,” Gatate said.
He added that “Rwanda is not taking chances and that is why we are using atomic agency using latest technology of waste management and the 10 megawatts of nuclear energy need will not be a big threat instead an advancement in competitive science.”