Sparks are expected to fly in parliament tomorrow when the Department of Energy briefs MPs on South Africa’s controversial proposed nuclear build programme.
The programme has been shrouded in mystery and dogged by allegations of corruption, and tough questions are expected from MPs because so little information about the proposed deal, which will dwarf the arms deal in size and scope, has been announced.
Opposition parties are expected to air suspicions in the energy industry that government is refusing to release important reports by international nuclear bodies which raise red lights about South Africa’s nuclear capabilities and safety record.
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, who did not react to voice and SMS messages since Friday, announced in her budget speech her department would begin with the nuclear procurement process in the second quarter of this financial year to select a strategic partner.
The minister expects to present the outcome of the procurement process to cabinet by year-end.
DA energy spokesman Gordon Mackay said he would raise several issues tomorrow, which have to be cleared up before the massive deal could even be considered.
“The plan to move ahead with nuclear flies in the face of the National Development Plan, which calls for nuclear to be considered only as a last resort, and the NDP is supposed to be the basis for all government priorities and budget allocations.
“Furthermore, despite the minister’s announcement on nuclear, the budget of her department’s nuclear division has been slashed by 22% this year, with only moderate increases foreseen, according to national treasury documents.
“Government has also been hiding some damning reports showing the country not to be ready for nuclear.
“According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency and kept under wraps by government, South Africa is deficient in at least 40% of the 19 assessment categories the IAEA uses,” Mackay said.
President Jacob Zuma said the first of the new nuclear power plants would come online in 2023, but thus far details of how this feat will be accomplished have been sketchy, and watchdogs have warned of the project’s corruption potential.
SA’s nuclear plans to come under spotlight
The programme has been shrouded in mystery and dogged by allegations of corruption, and tough questions are expected from MPs because so little information about the proposed deal, which will dwarf the arms deal in size and scope, has been announced.
Opposition parties are expected to air suspicions in the energy industry that government is refusing to release important reports by international nuclear bodies which raise red lights about South Africa’s nuclear capabilities and safety record.
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, who did not react to voice and SMS messages since Friday, announced in her budget speech her department would begin with the nuclear procurement process in the second quarter of this financial year to select a strategic partner.
The minister expects to present the outcome of the procurement process to cabinet by year-end.
DA energy spokesman Gordon Mackay said he would raise several issues tomorrow, which have to be cleared up before the massive deal could even be considered.
“The plan to move ahead with nuclear flies in the face of the National Development Plan, which calls for nuclear to be considered only as a last resort, and the NDP is supposed to be the basis for all government priorities and budget allocations.
“Furthermore, despite the minister’s announcement on nuclear, the budget of her department’s nuclear division has been slashed by 22% this year, with only moderate increases foreseen, according to national treasury documents.
“Government has also been hiding some damning reports showing the country not to be ready for nuclear.
“According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency and kept under wraps by government, South Africa is deficient in at least 40% of the 19 assessment categories the IAEA uses,” Mackay said.
President Jacob Zuma said the first of the new nuclear power plants would come online in 2023, but thus far details of how this feat will be accomplished have been sketchy, and watchdogs have warned of the project’s corruption potential.
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