Concerns have arisen regarding significant structural issues and safety violations at the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt. A formal letter outlines alarming defects, citing problems such as voids behind metal cladding in Unit 4 and flawed foundation slabs in Units 1, 2, and 3. These defects reportedly took a year to rectify, alongside additional issues within the cylindrical walls of the reactor structure in Unit 4.
Accusations Against Rosatom
The Egyptian authorities have leveled accusations against Rosatom, suggesting that the company has employed “misleading tactics” to present a false image of construction progress at the site. Reports indicate that Rosatom claims the plant is over halfway complete, yet visual inspections reveal that critical components remain in the underground construction phase. This discrepancy raises serious doubts about the transparency and accuracy of Rosatom’s reporting and project management.
Workplace Culture and Safety Concerns
Further aggravating the situation, accusations highlight a troubling workplace culture under Rosatom’s leadership. Reports have emerged that some workers possessed banned alcohol on-site, while others were observed using forged identification to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas. Additionally, multiple unauthorized photos and videos from the construction site have surfaced on social media, tarnishing the project’s reputation. This negligence not only reflects poorly on the project but also raises concerns about overall workplace safety and professionalism.
Severity of Safety Violations
One of the most serious allegations involves a worksite accident that resulted in a worker sustaining a severe open fracture. Instead of being transported in an equipped ambulance, the worker was reportedly smuggled into a private vehicle, which the Egyptian agency claims was an intentional act to conceal the incident. Such behavior not only disregards human welfare but also violates crucial workplace safety regulations. This gross negligence could severely undermine the integrity of nuclear safety protocols and could have dire consequences.
Inspection and Document Review
Further examination of internal Rosatom documents has corroborated the Egyptian authority’s concerns. These documents reveal issues related to construction delays, substandard quality, and failures in project management. An audit drafted by Rosatom in 2025 warned of serious risks related to the company’s inability to meet contractual obligations. It projected that the timeline for the first reactor unit, initially set for September 2028, could be delayed by as much as 18 months, pushing the completion date to March 2030.
The combination of these alarming structural issues, workplace safety violations, and the apparent lack of transparency raises serious questions about Rosatom’s management of the El Dabaa nuclear project. Continued scrutiny will be essential as the situation develops, and stakeholders will be looking closely at how these concerns are addressed to ensure the project’s integrity and the safety of all involved.