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6 February 2004 KOEBERG'S SECRET HORROR Koeberg workers lives are at risk, whilst the facility is keeping their medical history a secret and any interrogating the secret is at risk of losing their jobs, pension funds and medical benefits, reveals the Noseweek (February04). Ron Lockwood an ex-electronics technician who in the course of his work at Koeberg nuclear power station risked exposure to radiation from time to time. At his work he was also required to service the camera that monitors the nuclear reactor itself. In June 1996, having been a radiation worker at Koeberg for 15years , he was persuaded by Eskom's offer of a package to take early retirement. After six years, Ron Lockwood will never have to enjoy his retirement as he is currently looking death in its face suffering from Leukemia secretly kept from him for many years. This is just a glimpse into the reality of destructive operations, the serious risks the workers are required to work under which implicate the ordinary people who are not necessary aware of the deadly dangers of nuclear energy. Earthlife Africa would like to express a serious concern regarding the risks posed by Koeberg carelessness to the workers. " It appears that there were dishonest and criminally negligent top officials who let this persist right under their noses" said Nosiphiwo Msithweni, community health researcher of Earthlife Africa. Mr. Lockwood was an average worker, who supposedly knew well the dangers of nuclear to human health and to the environment. Despite all that, Koeberg was able to misinform this person and kept secret his medical files and further threatened when he showed reluctance in signing a form that could have lost him his pension funds and medical benefits. We therefore, call upon government to take treat this as a matter of state emergency. We also call for an urgent national commission of enquiries that would investigate to the roots this despicable deed of Eskom. Critically, we call for the workers to come forward in working with us in making their working place safer. Nosiphiwo Msithweni 072 6900320 Sibusiso Mimi 072 4941395 Earthlife Africa Cape Town ?? |
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