Residents push back against radiation storage at coast

Walvis Bay residents have opposed plans to establish a radiation-sealed storage and calibration facility in the town, raising fears over potential health risks and urging developers to move the project away from residential areas.

During a consultation meeting held on 29 July in Walvis Bay, community members rejected the development.

“We are not comfortable with this project being so close to where people live. Our health must come first,” one resident said.

“Why haven’t you considered another location? If it is safe as they say, then it should be moved far away from communities. We cannot take that risk," another resident said.

Despite the resistance, project representatives and environmental consultants sought to reassure the public. Experts explained that the radioactive materials would be stored in deep, reinforced underground pits specifically designed to limit exposure.

According to Omavi Geotechnical and Environmental Services, which is overseeing the environmental assessment process, “the facility is being designed in line with strict national and international safety standards to ensure that radiation exposure to the public remains negligible.”

Addressing fears of possible accidents, representatives further assured residents that contingency measures are in place. “In the unlikely event of an incident, there are trained response teams and strict protocols to manage and contain any situation effectively.”

On the cards

The proposed development, spearheaded by oilfield services company SLB Namibia, forms part of an environmental assessment process required before an environmental clearance certificate can be issued. The facility is planned for construction at SLB’s existing Blue Base on Erf 4749 in Walvis Bay, where the company supports offshore oil and gas operations.

Project documents indicate that the facility would occupy approximately 270 square metres and include a secure storage area and a calibration building. The storage system would consist of six underground concrete pits designed to prevent unauthorised access and minimise radiation exposure. The radioactive sources, mainly Category 4 and 5 sealed materials, are commonly used in specialised downhole measurement tools in the oil and gas sector.

Currently, these materials are stored and calibrated outside Namibia, including in Angola, Tanzania and Mozambique. SLB argues that a local facility would improve efficiency, reduce delays and limit the risks associated with transporting radioactive materials across borders.