Residents and stakeholders in the Overstrand Municipality district have been granted additional time to review and comment on Eskom’s proposed nuclear power plant project, with the public review period now extended to 25 May.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) approved the extension following public requests for more time to study the Environmental Impact Assessment for the massive facility, which could generate up to 5 200 MW of electricity.
The proposed nuclear-power plant is being evaluated for two potential locations: Bantamsklip in the Overstrand Local Municipality and Thyspunt in the Kouga Local Municipality (Eastern Cape).
For the Overberg the Bantamsklip option represents a development that could fundamentally transform the local landscape and economy.
Recognising the significant impact this decision could have on local communities, printed copies of the Draft Scoping Report (DSR) are available for public review at several venues across the region, including:
• Hermanus Public Library (1 Magnolia Street)
• Stanford Public Library (155 Queen Victoria Street)
• Gansbaai Public Library (Corner Main and Kapokblom Streets)
• Eluxolweni Public Library, Pearly Beach
• Buffeljachtsbaai Public Library
Additional review sites extend along the coast to Bredasdorp and the Eastern Cape locations.
For those preferring electronic access, the documentation is available through:WSP Website: https://www.wsp.com/en-ZA/services/public-documentsWSP
• Datafree Website: https://wsp-engage.com/
The extended deadline ensures residents have adequate time to study the comprehensive environmental impact assessments and submit informed comments about a project that could affect everything from marine ecosystems to local tourism and fishing industries.
How to submit comments:
All public comments must be submitted to WSP by close of business on Monday 25 May through: Online registration: https://arcg.is/1uKaqD2Email: Nuclear-PP-EIA@wsp.comPhone: 011 254 4800 / 011 361 1300
“This extension provides our community with a vital opportunity to ensure their voices are heard on a project that could reshape the future of our coastal region,” a conservationist said.
