Inferior-part probe begins in Kaohsiung

Officials at the China Shipbuilding Corporation (中船) yesterday welcomed the onset of an investigation by prosecutors into the company's alleged use of inferior materials in the construction of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant, saying that the results would prove the firm's innocence.

The materials in question were used in the construction of a reactor pedestal for the plant.

A prosecutor from the Kaohsiung Prosecutors' Office, surnamed Hsiao, yesterday visited Kaohsiung-based China Shipbuilding to look into procedures for awarding contracts to subcontractors.

Hsiao declined to answer questions yesterday, saying he could not yet comment on the investigation.

The probe was prompted by accusations brought by TSU Legislator Su Ying-kwei (蘇盈貴) on Tuesday.

According to Su, four lawmakers from the south interfered with the procedure on behalf of four subcontractors -- an arrangement in which they stood to benefit financially.

`Clean hands'

"One thing is certain -- we received no message from any legislator when inviting bids for the plant's construction," said China Shipbuilding Vice President Fan Kuang-Nan (范光男).

Meanwhile, the Commission of National Corporations (國營會), an agency that oversees the nation's state-run enterprises under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, yesterday continued with its probe of China Shipbuilding. It is to finish tomorrow, after about 10 workers and managers are interrogated.

In addition, investigators collected samples of the inferior parts of the reactor pedestal to ascertain how less pressure-resistant materials were installed during welding in February.

Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Yi-fu (林義夫) said yesterday that the probe's report would be released next week with a list of culpable officials.

The pedestal for Unit 1 of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant contains five layers. In April, the Atomic Energy Council (AEC) received a report from a retired engineer confirming that inferior materials were indeed discovered in the second to the fifth layers, now at China Shipbuilding.

In May, a hairline crack caused by inappropriate welding was found on the first layer, now at the construction site in Kungliao township, Taipei County.

Yesterday, nine lawmakers from the legislature's Economics and Energy Committee visited the Kungliao construction site.

Lawmakers seek wider investigation

KMT lawmaker Bill Sun (孫國華) criticized Taipower for its reluctance to release information to legislators about the board of directors of its largest domestic contractor, the New Asia Construction and Development Corp (新亞建設).

New Asia is reportedly building the structures that will house the nuclear reactors and turbines under a contract worth NT$10.5 billion.

New Asia awarded the bid for construction of the pedestal to China Shipbuilding.

"Although the government is looking into China Shipbuilding for the misuse of materials, it is neglecting the New Asia Corporation, which also deserves a thorough and comprehensive investigation," Sun told the Taipei Times.

AEC Vice Chairman Chiou Syh-tsong (邱賜聰) was with Sun and said that the procedure of awarding construction contracts to subcontractors was indeed "a big headache."