CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town on Tuesday said it welcomes the decision by the national Transport Department to seek R40 million funding from the Treasury to salvage the Seli 1 wreckage.
The Turkish bulk carrier ran aground during adverse weather conditions in September 2009.
Tons of oil had to be decanted from the wreck, but some had to be left due to financial constraints making this the fourth oil spill since 2009.
This is what caused last week's oil spill from the wreck, causing a thick layer of bunker oil to wash ashore at Bloubergstrand.
The city's JP Smit said they expect an answer soon.
“Apparently the national cabinet will consider the matter in two weeks time and then presumably it will go on to the adjustment budget for the national government in October.”
The funding will be used to remove the entire wreckage.
“We are delighted that the Department of Transport has made the funding request. It’s been a long and slow process. We’re hoping it will happen as soon as possible.”
He also said he hopes everything goes according plan.
Meanwhile, efforts to remove oil from more than a dozen penguins affected by the Seli 1 oil spill is said to commence before the end of the week.
- EWN
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