CAIRO: "One container holding radioactive material was stolen from the nuclear power plant [in Dabaa, Marsa Matrouh]," Minister of Electricity and Energy, Hassan Younis told MPs during a parliamentary session on Monday.
Another container was found broken and the radioactive material inside was scattered.
Younis stressed that the radioactive material had a low level of radiation. A team of experts swept the area for radiation after the material was discovered stolen last month and their findings showed that there was no contamination, he added.
Marsa Matrouh MPs refuted claims that this plant contained any radioactive material, claiming that officials exploited the buildings for personal use. The place consists of four administrative buildings, not an actual plant, the MPs argued.
Younis called on the MPs to present any documents they had proving the ministry’s squandering of public funds, saying he would personally present it to the Prosecutor General.
Others called for completely removing the plant from the area which is inhabited by around 80,000 residents who fear possible radiation emanating from the plant.
The PA committee for industry and energy said it was investigating calls to move the plant into the desert away from the city.
