DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 1382
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 May 2012
1382. Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether he has been informed that the copper matting installed at the Medupi Power Station was tarnished by mud deposits; if so, what is the extent of the damaged caused; if not,
(2) Whether he intends to investigate the matter; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether (a) the copper matting would need to be replaced and (b) additional costs for the replacement of the copper matting will be incurred; if not, how was this conclusion reached in each case; if so,
(4) Whether the cost of the replacement will be borne by the (a) contractors or (b) his department;
(5) Whether the incident caused further delay in the construction of this power station; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1631E
Reply:
According to Eskom:
(1) The integrity of the earth mats at Medupi Power Station has not been compromised. This is known due to ongoing integrity testing for the back-energising process of transformers and panels. In addition, Project Management are unaware of the existence of mud deposits anywhere in the vicinity.
(2) The matter will not be investigated as there were no mud deposits found at the station. Should any problems arise, these are routinely identified, managed and resolved by Eskom's Professional Engineering teams.
(3) The integrity of the earth mats is proven throughout the construction process and any deviations are rectified immediately upon discovery.
(4) Non-conformance processes and systems are in place to rectify any or all non- compliances by the contractors. The cost of the repairs, if applicable, will be for the contractors account.
(5) As no earth mats are known to have been compromised, no delay in construction of the power station is envisaged. Any defect or non-conformance concerning the earth mat's installation or testing is managed on an on-going basis and rectified immediately.
Issued by Parliament, June 18 2012
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