The deadline to appeal a decision paving the way for a second nuclear power plant next to Koeberg power station has been extended.
On Thursday October 12, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) granted Eskom an environmental authorisation to build the plant in Duynefontein.
But it extended the deadline from Friday December 1 to March 5 next year, after the Koeberg Alert Alliance argued that the public needed more time. The mayor’s office has already registered its opposition to the plan (“City’s no to nuke plant”, Tabletalk, November 1).
“Our appeal is based on a number of grounds,” said Xolani Koyana, mayor Patricia de Lille’s spokesman. “These include the need for renewables rather than nuclear energy, planning issues focused on the increase in population and the difficulty evacuating people in the event of a nuclear accident. This could also significantly impact upon biodiversity in the area.”
People who wish to lodge an appeal may do so by sending a email to appeals@environment.gov.za. The Koeberg Alert Alliance is also drafting an appeal and anyone wanting to contribute to it can email info@koebergalert.org or find the alliance on Facebook.
