Consultancy firm WorleyParsons has dismissed media reports that suggest it has a close working relationship with Russian nuclear firm Rosatom and the Russian government.
The Business Day earlier this week reported that WorleyParsons, which has been appointed as an adviser to the South African government as it considers the procurement of new nuclear energy capacity, had close ties with Rosatom, which many people have claimed is the frontrunner in securing the bid to build the new nuclear capacity.
“WorleyParsons eschews all forms of improper business practice and strongly opposes any actions, statements and allegations that challenge WorleyParsons’ high standards of integrity and business ethics in all its project works, business dealings, and relationships with clients and partners.
“WorleyParsons conducts its business in an open, honest and ethical manner, in accordance with applicable regulatory and legal requirements and relevant codes of practice. WorleyParsons has company approved systems and processes that support and promote ethical conduct,” it said in a statement on Friday.
It stated that it was not in any way affiliated with Rosatom or any of the other technology vendors that have shown an interest in bidding for the nuclear programme.
It further stressed that it always acts in support of, and was committed to, its clients’ interest and objectives.
“WorleyParsons has never been, and is not in any conflict of interest, performing its services on the various nuclear projects around the world and strongly objects to any speculation in that regard.”