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Friday, May 22, 2009.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Shannon O'Donnell.

Making headlines today:

A month-long period for public comment on a revised plan of study for the environmental-impact assessment for power utility Eskom's proposed nuclear power station would start on Monday.

Environmental consultants Acer Africa stated that the plan of study for the EIA had been revised in line with comments made by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, as well as comments received from the public.

Further, the consultants noted that Eskom planned to change the scope of its original application for environmental authorisation to Deat. This would now likely fall under the restructured Water and Environmental Affairs department, pending the promulgation of the amended EIA regulations.

The amended EIA regulations would be promulgated by the middle or late in 2009.

Volkswagen of South Africa has started construction of a new 200-million-rand parts distribution warehouse, in Centurion.

The 26 000-square meter facility will be about seven storeys high.

The new facility is expected to be operational by the middle of next year, and will store and distribute parts for the Volkswagen, Audi, and VW commercial vehicle brands.

The new parts distribution facility is one of seven warehouses of its kind in the VW group worldwide.

Also making headlines:

Private investors are still keen to invest in Africa's power sector as long as projects are realistic.
A water-neutral scheme achieves results at Eastern Cape pilot project.
Eskom secures 6-billion-rand from European banks for its Medupi boilers.
And, South Africa will have to spend more to ensure the survival of its defence industry.

That's a round up of news making headlines today. For more on these and other stories please visit engineeringnews.co.za.