Question NW2077 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
19 June 2023 - NW2077
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
In light of the fact that the contract awarded to Turkish firm, Karpowership, to provide 1,220MW of energy to the Republic has been stalled by legal action and environmental concerns from nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) which seem to naturally block development instead of encouraging responsible development, what has the Government done to positively bring the NGOs to the table and on board to avoid them pulling in opposite directions and preventing much-needed development?
Reply:
In terms of the RFP issued for the Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme, the Bidders assume responsibility to obtain all environmental consents. As such it is the responsibility of Karpowership to engage with the NGOs as well as other Interested and Affected Parties with regard to objections that they may have in the process of the environmental authorisations aligned with the provisions of the National Environmental Management Act.
Government continues through existing environmental legislation provision to consult and engage with key stakeholders.