Fracking report has activists on tenterhooks
Anti-fracking campaigners are preparing for a legal wrangle with the government as time ticks on towards the scheduled announcement of the Karoo fracking report which is expected later this month. The Treasure Karoo Action Group has set up a legal team to refocus its legal strategy in preparation for an all-out confrontation to prevent fracking in the Karoo. The lobby group’s chairman, Jonathan Deal, said the cabinet was expected to make a decision in August on whether to lift the existing moratorium and allow exploratory drilling. “We have engaged the well-established (legal) firm of Cullinan & Associates, who will bring fresh thinking and decades of experience to our approach at this critical time in our campaign,” said Deal. Deal said the activists’ fears about the awarding of fracking licences were awakened by statements made by Energy Minister Dipuo Peters recently. – Sapa
Sanral will face pressure next year
In its annual report on the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), Moody’s Investors Service says that Sanral’s Baa2/A2.za and Prime -3/Prime -2.za global scale (local and foreign currency)/national scale issuer ratings (negative outlook) are underpinned by its close financial and operational linkages with its good historical financial management. “Notwithstanding its current strong cash reserves… Sanral will experience significant pressure (from) October 2013 in the event that e-toll revenues are still not earned by the entity,” said Kenneth Morare of Moody’s. – Staff reporter