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NUCLEAR ENERGY COSTS THE EARTH CAMPAIGN RELEASE: Embargoed until 16h00 Monday, 26 May 2003 Att: Environmental Editor Subject: Nuclear EARTHLIFE AFRICA PBMR CASE - WHAT HAPPENED? ?“Government is trying to deny us our right to be heard,?” says Liz McDaid, spokesperson Earthlife Africa (Cape Town). Earthlife Africa has taken the Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) to court to stop government from making a decision about the PBMR (Pebble Bed Modular Reactor). Pushing ahead with this decision denies our constitutional right to be heard and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) specifically requires meaningful public participation. What happened in court? In court this afternoon, the Judge ruled that the case be postponed until tomorrow morning. The legal team, from the Legal Resource Centre, representing Earthlife Africa, were not given DEAT?’s response to comment on in time. In fact, despite being promised it shortly after this morning?’s court appearance, DEAT only gave in the required documents at 2pm. Earlier Eskom had similarly failed to respond in time, only giving their responding affidavit just before the court appearance this morning. While it is frustrating to have to wait for the decision, we are confident that our arguments are sound and our right to be heard will be upheld. Earthlife?’s Comment ?“We have not had a proper opportunity to (study and) comment on the environmental impact assessment report. The final report submitted to government contained information which we have not had an opportunity to look at or to critique. For example, the law states that the EIA consultant must be independent. But the final EIA report reveals that at least one of the consultants (Mr. Otto Grauppner) had worked for Eskom for over 15 years. How can this impact assessment be independent??” asks Liz McDaid. Other parts of the final report deal with critical safety information. It is highly technical. We would need to draw on international expertise in order to evaluate and comment on it, especially in the light of current international knowledge. According to McDaid: ?“In the light of the latest information on the health risks of nuclear radiation, for example the Radiation and Public Health Project report of April 2003, we are concerned that Eskom?’s information is outdated and radically understates the risk to the public.?” Eskom wants the go-ahead now, but the government must uphold the right of the people to have our voices heard. Solidarity We welcome the support and solidarity expressed by Southern African and international activists. ?“Around 70 international and Southern African activists are gathered together at a workshop outside Pretoria. We share concerns about any expansion of the nuclear industry and we support Earthlife Africa?’s demand to be heard on this crucial issue,?” said Rebecca Harms from Germany. Earthlife Africa will continue to fight for the right of people to be heard. More information can be found at our website: https://earthlife-ct.org.za Contact: Liz McDaid on 082 731 5643 end ?? |
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