The Radiation Protection Agency (RPA) is currently conducting a series of regional stakeholder workshops aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance and supporting radiation facility operators across the country.
Today, the Agency is engaging operators in the northern region at a workshop held in Butha-Buthe District. This initiative follows the recent submission and review of license applications by various facilities, during which the Agency identified a number of common gaps in regulatory compliance.
Key areas of concern include:
- Challenges in shielding calculations
- Incomplete or inadequate safety assessments
- Weaknesses in Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) plans
- General gaps in regulatory understanding and documentation
In response, the RPA has adopted a proactive capacity-building approach, organizing structured workshops to provide direct technical guidance to operators. These workshops are designed not only to address identified deficiencies but also to ensure that facilities are adequately prepared to meet regulatory requirements before authorization.
The current workshop in the northern region marks the first phase of a broader national initiative. Similar engagements are scheduled for operators in the central and southern regions, with each session structured as a two-day intensive programme.
Importantly, the workshops will also serve as a platform for the presentation and discussion of the draft regulations under the Radiation Protection framework. This allows operators to gain early insight into upcoming regulatory requirements while providing an opportunity for stakeholder input.
The RPA remains committed to building a strong safety culture, enhancing compliance, and ensuring that all radiation practices in Lesotho are conducted in a manner that protects workers, patients, the public, and the environment.
The Agency encourages all operators to actively participate in these engagements as part of their responsibility to uphold national radiation safety standards.