Transnet objects to SKA

Johannesburg, 23 Oct 2007

Transnet, the state transport utility, has belatedly objected to the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Bill. The draft law will declare a portion of the Northern Cape a radio frequency (RF) reserve to clear the way for the 1.3 billion euro Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope.

A site for the SKA, and its precursor, the Meerkat, has been identified to the northwest of Carnarvon, in the Northern Cape. The Bill, when it becomes law, will allow science and technology minister Mosibudi Mangena to declare the site a protected area.

The Bill says this will ensure "geographic areas in the republic, which are suitable for astronomy and related scientific endeavours due to, among other things, atmospheric transparency, low levels of light pollution, low population density or minimal radio frequency interference, are protected, preserved and properly maintained". This will include steps to restrict light pollution and radio frequency emissions.

The Bill was introduced to the National Assembly in May and was subsequently passed by the lower house of Parliament. It is now before the Education and Recreation Select Committee, in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), where Transnet expressed concerns about the law.

Transnet freight rail legal advisor Fortune Legoabe told the committee that the proposed RF restriction would impact on the company`s rail and freight activities. The SKA RF reserve overlaps a number of railway lines where RF technology is used.

Legoabe said if Transnet Freight Rail (previously Spoornet) were to change the manner in which it conducted its business in that area, it would cost R200 million. She added that the company would not be entitled to compensation under the Bill, or by way of the National Treasury`s contingency reserve.

She added that the company wished the NCOP to insert a sub-clause that allowed for compensation.

Committee chairman Bagudi Tolo said the committee would consider the request. If the NCOP changes the wording of the Bill, it would have to return to the National Assembly for re-passage, as the wording of the Bills that pass the two houses have to match.