North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed assurance by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) that the noble gas and iodine release that occurred at the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (NECSA) Pelindaba facility near Brits over the weekend posed no danger to members of the public.
“The regular emergency exercises that are conducted at the site by the nuclear licensee, with the participation of the relevant local and provincial authorities and emergency services and evaluated by the NNR gives us confidence that NECSA’s nuclear emergency plan is effective to mitigate or reduce the consequences of an accident at its source, prevent serious deterministic health side effects and reduce the stochastic health effects,” said Premier Modise.
According to NECSA there was no need to activate the off site emergency plan due to the small nature of the gas that was release into the environment. NNR CEO Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka said that the regulator and Necsa are monitoring the situation and will be provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
