Lives could be lost by skirting pollution regulations: Analyst

JOHANNESBURG - Lives could be lost by government's rush to provide electricity according to energy expert, Hilton Trollip.

Environmental Affairs Minister Barbara Creecy allowed Eskom to sidestep sulphur dioxide controls at Kusile.

READ: Eskom given permission to skirt pollution regulations

The power station has been exempted from the lengthy process to amend its Atmospheric Emission Licence.

This will allow it to install a temporary fix at the facility.

Trollip says he understands the Minister had to make an impossible decision.

He said, "if you allow this stuff into the air, some people will be fine but a lot won't be, there are many children under five that have died due to respiratory conditions. If I had to choose between electricity and breathing I'd choose breath."