While there were no available statistics of vehicles that
failed the screening process, the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe
(RPAZ) said their inspectors are at most ports of entry, including Beitbridge,
Victoria Falls, Kariba, Forbes and Chirundu border posts.
RRAZ launched the mandatory exercise in Beitbridge where it
was operating from the three transit sheds in the border town in December last
year.
The majority of vehicle imports from Japan into Zimbabwe
come via the border post hence the major presence there following the gazetting
of SI 281 of 2020.
Importers of small passenger vehicles pay a contamination
inspection per vehicle of US$10 and US$50 for de-contamination per vehicle.
For buses, heavy vehicles, haulage trucks and trailers,
contamination inspection per vehicle costs US$20 and de-contamination is
US$100.
The decontamination process is not for every vehicle but
only those who levels of radiation are found to be above the permissible
levels. The actual screening process is quick so that it does not inconvenience
the clearing process. It takes at most five minutes
In a written response to questions from Chronicle, RPAZ
corporate communications officer Mr Chamu Murava said vehicles that are clean
will just be issued a certificate.
“The vehicle screening exercise at the country’s ports of
entry is progressing well with over 4 000 vehicles having been screened to date
in fulfilment of Statutory Instrument 281 of 2020.
“Our inspectors are on the ground in Beitbridge, Chirundu,
Kariba, Forbes and Victoria Falls to ensure that we cover as much vehicles as
we can and enhance the protection of the people from the harmful effects of
radiation, which is our mandate,” he said.
Mr Murava said the decontamination process is done on site
by technicians. “What is important to note however, is that decontamination is
a process that takes place only for vehicles that have been found to be
contaminated,” he said.
Mr Murava said all the vehicles screened so far have been
clean of any radiation and the Authority remains diligent in its duty to ensure
that this remains the case.
Mr Murava said the aim of the Authority is to ensure that
the people are protected from the effects of radiation.
He said cars that are found to be contaminated will be
isolated and decontaminated on site by RPAZ inspectors.
“This is so that vehicle importers do not experience delays
and the inconvenience of travelling from the transit sheds for
decontamination,” he said.
Mr Murava said studies indicate that there is no reason for
anyone to panic that they are exposed to radiation from their vehicles.
“This exercise is not peculiar to Zimbabwe but is standard
practice meant to protect the people and the environment against possible
exposure to radiation,” he said.
Mr Murava said those who imported their vehicles before the
gazetting of the SI and wish to have them tested can go to RPAZ offices in
Harare and Bulawayo.
“Beyond testing the vehicle imports we also have a
laboratory in Harare where we do food monitoring and water testing for bulk
water supplies and home users.
What is important to note however, is that decontamination
is a process that takes place only for vehicles that have been found to be
contaminated,” he said. Chronicle
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