NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION 3267.
Mr P D Dexter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Energy:
(1) Whether, given the crucial role of National Nuclear Regulator
(NNR) and the Governmentâs proposed nuclear building programme,
she has found that the funding that was allocated to NNR in the
2010-11 financial year was adequate; if so, what are the
relevant details; if not,
(2) Whether she has any plans in place to improve the funding of the
NNR; if not, why not; if so, (a) what plans and (b) how will
these plans be implemented;
(3) Whether the Government intends increasing the (a) funding and
(b) capacity of the NNR; if not, why not, in each case; if so,
what are the relevant details in each case? NW3884E
REPLY
1) The funding allocated to the NNR during the 2010-11 financial
year enabled it to perform some of its functions and to provide
reasonable assurance of nuclear safety to the South African
public. However, the funding basis for the NNR has not been
adequate and this is being reviewed.
2) (a) Yes, the NNR is currently developing a comprehensive model for
capacity and funding requirements in order to meet its current mandate
and the demands of the new nuclear build programme.
b) This will serve as a basis for requesting additional funding in order
to adequately resource the Nuclear Regulator.
(3)(a) It is the Governmentâs intention to ensure that the Nuclear
Regulator is adequately resourced within reasonable means in
order to enable it to fulfil its functions in terms of the NNR
Act.
b) Accordingly, capacity will have to be reviewed and enhanced where
needed in order to meet this objective.