[DEBATE] : (Fwd) Erwin's nuke saboteur discovered: Eskom-NNR

[Patrick Bond]

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Earthlife Africa Cape Town is appalled by information that has come to light
in recent media reports pointing to negligence in maintenance at Koeberg
Nuclear Power Station. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
has indicated in its report that problems at Koeberg commencing in November
2005 can be attributed to negligence and inadequate corrective action on the
part of personnel. It is alleged that Eskom has failed to respond to
warnings and has failed to test vital equipment for periods of up to ten
years.
That Eskom should seek to conceal these problems is unacceptable and raises
concerns about the parastatal’s ability to remain transparent and
accountable. Such institutions must ensure compliance with the law, among
which is the constitutional right to a healthy, safe and clean environment
as well as the information that can help us to achieve a health, safe and
clean environment.
Safety at a nuclear power station is of the highest concern. The potential
for accidents at nuclear power stations and the consequences of such
accidents have been well illustrated by historic events at Chernobyl and in
the USA and Japan. These accidents have resulted in numerous deaths and
environmental destruction as well as a legacy of radioactivity that is
responsible for illnesses and deaths until today.
It is shocking that this information is coming to light only eight months
subsequent to the onset of problems at Koeberg. It appears further as if
these failures have yet to be addressed. Even more alarming is that it has
taken NERSA and not the National Nuclear Regulator to make these
discoveries. Charged with independently assessing the nuclear industry, the
NNR has a mandate to protect the public and environment from nuclear damage.
These events beg the question; “How many mistakes before adequate responsive
action is taken and Koeberg’s license is suspended?”

Maya Aberman
Campaign Co-ordinator
Earthlife Africa
021 447 4912
076 754 6327