Environmental groups to challenge Karpowership SA docking in KZN
Civil society groups have vowed to challenge a government decision to allow Karpowership SA to resubmit a request to anchor its floating electricity plant in Richards Bay.
The Turkish company withdrew its submission to deploy the 450-megawatt ship-mounted power plant earlier this year after complaints it hadn't notified a competitor.
But the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment is now allowing the company to make a late environmental application for KZN.
It must include a revised environmental management programme, as well as plans for mitigating environmental consequences.
READ: Karpowership not coming to SA anytime soon: Green Connection
A number of environmental groups have embarked on joint civil action against the company like the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Groundwork, The Green Connection, Natural Justice and the Centre for Environmental Rights.
"We certainly believe that given the history and the reputation throughout our continent, Karpowership should not be given approval. If the power ship is based in Richards Bay marine life will suffer," says SDCEA's Desmond D'Sa.
Yegeshni Moodley, who's with Groundwork, has raised concerns about the process.
"South Africans need to stand up and question why these power ships are given touted above all other options when they will not even address our energy crisis. The who, why and how needs to be publicly aired."
