5
worried that, notwithstanding the safety features of the plant, accidents could occur, be it due to failure of safety devices, or human error. Some people called for the project to be scrapped and replaced by coal-fired power plant, while others hoped that the plant should perhaps be sited further away from Hong Kong. Some wished that a decision on whether to construct the plant should be postponed until more had been learnt from the accident at Chernobyl. Some wished to form their opinion after they had
studied the relevant materials, and there were some
some who thought
that the
the construction of Daya Bay plant should go ahead under
additional safety measures
and stringent operation and
management.
13.
Mr LI Peng told us that the Chinese authorities fully recognized the feeling and sentiments of the Hong Kong people towards the Daya Bay project. In the light of the Chernobyl
It was accident, he said, such sentiments were understandable. the wish of the people of China as well as residents of Hong Kong The Chinese that the Daya Bay plant should be made a safe one. Government placed its concern for the safety of the people in the Guangdong Province and that for the safety of Hong Kong residents at the same level of importance. They were deeply aware of the need to secure the highest standards of safety for the Daya Bay plant. That was why the Chinese authorities had put on top priority the safety and quality in the construction, management and operation of nuclear power plants.
14.
We
years
of
told were
that China had close to 30
experience in nuclear development, and had very active exchange of information and personnel with countries with advanced experiences in nuclear power plants. The Chinese authorities had not taken the Daya Bay project lightly; in fact, ever since 1979