OOC, I think that there is no way that the international atmosphere would allow a Somali republic to have nuclear power, so I am going to nix that.Power Problems Need Bright Solution
The Issue
The oldest power station in Maji Matamu suffered a catastrophic failure last night, plunging a third of Maji Matamu's national power supply grid into darkness. There is no debate that it needs to be replaced, but the question is with what?
The Debate
1. "The solution is clear," says environmental activist Freddy Chicago. "Wind turbines and solar power stations are the cleanest there are. We must switch power production to forms of renewable energy, that will never run out. The only minor problems are that wind farms will take up a great deal of space and of course we can't exactly rely on the weather. It isn't as though we control it. But think of how much healthier people will be without all that pollution!"
2. "Wind power? Solar collectors? Bah! Have you ever wondered when the least amount of strain is placed on the national grid? WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING!" exclaims Southern Maji Matamu Electra official Jennifer Wall. "We need power under our control, and cheaply. Coal has been the cheapest and most abundant power source for ages. We don't need this airy fairy wind malarky when we have cheap and reliable power available for all. True, pollution will be a bit on the heavy side but I'm sure that's only a minor problem, with how well funded our health system is!"
3. "Now the way I see it is that it's either green, expensive, and sprawling; or compact, polluting and cheap. Wouldn't it be nice if we had the best of both worlds? Well, we can!" claims fission technician Steffan Longbottom. "Nuclear power is reliable, clean, and although it isn't cheap, it won't break the bank. There is a risk of deadly meltdown, but this is relatively small, and the only people who could be against this are anti-nuclear protesters, but what do we care about those tree-hugging hippies?"
If you wish, you may: Dismiss This Issue
The random number gods smile upon the status quo.
The party presently in power in Maji Matamu is strongly divided between young people who want to pave a way into the future and young people who want to cut our absurdly huge income tax, which is getting towards an untenable 50%. We would like to make the government leaner and meaner, but we would also prefer to break out of our 'third world' status. We hereby request advice from other nations on this weighty issue. What is more important, reducing tax burdens on a weary public, or becoming a leader in technical progress in Africa?
