The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) demands answers from the City of Cape Town regarding two planned developments near the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in the Western Cape, which could jeopardise the safety and well-being of residents and are, therefore, a serious cause for concern.
In June 2024, the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) extended the licence for Koeberg’s Unit 1 until 2044, with approval for Unit 2 expected by November 2025. This extension highlights the importance of stringent safety measures for the surrounding area, particularly within the Urgent Protective Action Planning Zone (UPZ).
In light of this, the first project – a proposed hazardous waste dumping site by Wesco Management near Melkbosstrand – is alarming due to its proximity to Koeberg and the potential risks it poses to the area’s nuclear safety in terms of the NNR guidelines.
The second project involves developing Erf 1117 in Blaauwberg with the objective of housing 30 000 people. Constructing such high-density housing, with a density five to six times higher than surrounding areas, violates the NNR’s guidelines for low-density development in the UPZ. The increased risk to residents in the event of a nuclear emergency, where rapid evacuation is critical, cannot be ignored.
The Freedom Front Plus is also concerned by the City of Cape Town’s apparent lack of transparency in this regard. The City has not disclosed all the relevant studies and information to the public, and public participation in the decision-making process remains limited.
These steps run counter to the principles of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the City’s own development policy, which prioritise resident safety and transparency.
The party demands an immediate moratorium on the Wesco and Erf 1117 developments until comprehensive risk studies and public consultations have been completed.
A thorough investigation into the City’s compliance with NNR guidelines and NEMA also needs to be conducted, while all relevant environmental and safety reports have to be disclosed to the public.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep a close watch and take further steps, including reporting the issue to the NNR and other relevant authorities, if necessary.
The safety of residents must always come first.
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