Kouga Council prepares for Thyspunt decision

This is a press release issued by Laura-Leigh Randall, media liaison officer at the Kouga Municipality.

THE majority of the Kouga Council supports the proposal that a nuclear power plant be built at Thyspunt, but further public consultation must be undertaken before an official commitment is made.

That was the outcome of a lively debate about the potential pros and cons of the proposed Thyspunt development at a meeting of the Kouga Council on Monday.

The debate centred around an item recommending that the Kouga Council approved in principle the development of the proposed nuclear power plant at Thyspunt.

Kouga Executive Mayor Booi Koerat said Eskom had asked for the Council to make an “in principle” decision so that it could start putting in place the working structures that would be required should National Government give the go-ahead for the Thyspunt development.

The mayor emphasised that no final plans were in place yet since the Environmental Impact Assessment was still being finalised and a Record of Decision (ROD) was expected next year only.   

He said the majority of the 26 councillors present at the discussions on Monday were in favour of approving the development in principle based on economic considerations.

“Their view was that the potential economic spin-offs of the development, both directly and indirectly, would serve as a much-needed lifeline for Kouga’s people. Residents are battling financially and Council cannot stand in the way of a project that could give our economy the boost it needs,” he explained.

He said that despite this majority view, Council resolved that a final decision would only be made after further public consultation.  

“The development is a highly emotive issue. That is why it is important that our final decision should reflect the will of the people and not that of individual councillors. Consequently, we resolved that a public participation process must be undertaken before a final commitment is made,” he said.

The mayor said those who had voted against the recommendation - “that the development of the proposed Nuclear-1 project of Eskom at the Thyspunt site be approved in principle subject to public participation meetings” – were mainly concerned that they were not well enough informed to make a final decision.

He said the municipal administration had, consequently, been instructed to assist all councillors with their Thyspunt queries to ensure an informed decision can be made.

“I would like to urge councillors to do their homework thoroughly and to consult their communities extensively before Council meets to make a final decision.

“As leaders, it is our responsibility to make tough decisions. We cannot sit on the fence indefinitely because we are worried that some might criticise what we decide,” he said.

“This decision might prove to be one of the most important resolutions this Council will make. Let us ensure we make a decision that is in the best interest of our community as a whole.”