But the loan is not a done deal. Some creditors are having second thoughts, with the US expected to abstain and several European delegates reportedly on the fence. And we can tip the balance -- we just need one "no" vote to table the proposal since the Bank rarely proceeds with divisive votes!
While Eskom trumpets the plan, we can tell World Bank directors how we feel about coal. Let the Word Bank know that we don't want its dirty loan - click below to sign the petition today:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/no_
The Bank is right to recognize South Africa's energy needs, but this loan would be putting money in the wrong place. Instead of dirty coal, South Africa needs energy efficiency and clean, renewable sources of power that people who most need it can actually afford. If this loan is approved, South Africans will pay for it several-fold -- in meteoric electricity rates, missed clean energy investments, polluted air, destroyed land, and the warming earth on which we live.
Dozens of South African environmental, community, church, labour, academic and women's organizations, representing a diverse, unified voice have mobilized to stop the loan. But every voice counts in these last days before the World Bank vote. Act now -- sign the petition opposing the loan:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/no_
With hope,
Ben, Paul, Graziela, David, Alice, Ricken, and the whole Avaaz team
More information --
NGO Response to the World Bank panel report and Fact Sheet
http://www.groundwork.org.za/
Original World Bank Fact Sheet
http://www.groundwork.org.za/
Eskom Tariff Hikes Slammed
http://allafrica.com/stories/
World Bank to Consider $4 Billion Loan Application From Eskom
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/
SAfrica grants Eskom 24.8 pct price rise for 2010/11
http://www.reuters.com/
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