/ 26 June 2006

Koeberg: Damage findings expected mid-August

The findings of a probe into recent damage to a Koeberg nuclear-power generator and resulting power outages in the Western Cape are expected to be presented to Parliament in mid-August.

Minister of Public Enterprises Alec Erwin will announce the findings to the National Assembly, probably on August 16, his spokesperson Gaynor Kast said on Monday.

”That is the preliminary date. We are awaiting confirmation from the Speaker of the National Assembly. If not on August 16, it will be around then.”

No statement will be made on the findings of the National Intelligence Agency until the parliamentary report, Kast added.

She would not say whether it had been forwarded to the police or prosecuting authorities for further action.

On the eve of the March 1 local government elections, Erwin suggested at a news conference that sabotage was to blame for damage to a generator at the Koeberg nuclear power plant in Cape Town.

He said at the time: ”Let me be very clear on this. The bolt that caused the generator’s destruction did not get there by accident”, adding that criminal charges would be brought against individuals ”soon”.

After the municipal poll, however, the minister denied having blamed sabotage, saying ”human instrumentality” was behind it all.

He has since referred to the incident as ”a very serious accident”. — Sapa