14 Mar 2013

Parliament has been told that the completion date for Morupule B Power Station, as advised by the Engineering Procurement and Construction Contractor, is July 2013.

Answering a question in Parliament on March 13, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila said the nature of the problems encountered pertained to the teething defects particularly in the boiler area and these had typically included water and steam leakages.

He said there had been serious violation of safety, health and environmental standards, which resulted in three fatalities.

He said, as a result of these violations, BPC had no choice but to suspend construction involving working at night.

However, the minister acknowledged that after 27 years of base load operations, the Morupule A Power Station required refurbishment before it could run safely and economically, while it was under care and maintenance.

Boteti North MP, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, had asked the minister to give update on the progress made regarding the construction and commissioning of Morupule B Power Plant and to state the completion date and the nature of problems encountered so far. He also wanted the minister to state reasons why the old plant could not be fully utilized as an interim measure. ENDS