Cape Town - South Africa was not at the point where it could deal with the costs of the nuclear build programme in the mini budget (Medium Term Budget Policy Statement), Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene said on Wednesday.
Asked if any light could be provided about how to budget for the nuclear build programme, Nene said at a media briefing: “Are you implying that you expected (this) to be dealt with in the mini budget?"
He quickly added, however, that some of the budgeting issues relating to government’s energy programme – which included the planned nuclear build programme, solar energy, electricity, oil and gas - had “not come to the point” where there were budget plans on the Treasury table".
At the appropriate time the details of the spending plan would be presented to the public, Nene pledged.
South African intends to build six new nuclear power stations to add to the existing Koeberg power station in the Western Cape. Most of the country’s energy needs are fed by coal-fired power stations run by Eskom.
- Fin24
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