Eskom to restore Medupi ops

Medupi is pictured in this file photo by Reuters.

Medupi is pictured in this file photo by Reuters.

Published Jan 17, 2013

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Eskom and its contractors at the Medupi Power Station Project are working to restore the site to normal operations following protest action on Wednesday morning which left more than 20 injured‚ the power parastatal said on Wednesday evening.

The protest action‚ by a group of workers employed by contractors at Medupi‚ resulted in workers being sent home‚ to ensure the safety of people and assets on the site.

“Today’s illegal protest action disrupted bus transport to the site‚ resulting in injuries to 25 workers who were being transported to work. Eskom cannot condone violence. We wish those workers who have been injured a speedy and complete recovery. The circumstances around this incident are being investigated‚” Eskom said in a statement.

It said Wednesday’s protest had mainly involved workers affiliated to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) who were employed by Hitachi Kaefer and Murray & Roberts Projects. It followed protests on Friday (11 January 2013) by about 1‚100 workers employed by Alstom Kentz at Medupi‚ resulting in a lockout of those workers by Alstom Kentz.

“The safety of our people‚ and of those employed by our contractors‚ is a priority for Eskom. We are working with relevant parties‚ including the South African Police Service (SAPS) to monitor and address the situation at Medupi.

“Medupi’s first unit is expected to generate first power to South Africa’s national grid by the end of this year‚” Eskom added. - I-Net Bridge

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