Real-time release of radiation readings at 2,700 Fukushima sites starts

[Bonobo]

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20120222p2g00m0dm026000c.html

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The government said Tuesday it has started releasing in real time airborne radiation readings taken at around 2,700 locations in Fukushima Prefecture, where the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is located.

Measuring equipment has been set up at kindergartens, schools, parks and other public facilities at the request of municipalities.

The readings are displayed on both the equipment and the ministry's website, it said, adding the data are updated every 10 minutes. The URL for the website is http://radiomap.mext.go.jp/ja/.

The ministry had planned to start releasing the real-time data in October but delayed it by four months as the initial winning bidder for the system could not meet the deadline for the delivery of the equipment.

LINK TO MONITORING SITE (JAPANESE)
http://radiomap.mext.go.jp/ja/

[Art_from_Ark]

1. That's what happens sometimes when you rely on the lowest bidder

"The ministry had planned to start releasing the real-time data in October but delayed it by four months as the initial winning bidder for the system could not meet the deadline for the delivery of the equipment. "

At any rate, I hope that this will help to provide reliable information about the situation in Fukushima.

[Journeyman]

2. Whenever a client opts for the lowest bid as their sole criteria for choice, I always ask. . .

"What color is your Yugo."

[Art_from_Ark]

3. THat about sums it up

Here in Japan, they've gone from a system of awarding contracts based on performance to one of focusing almost exclusively on the lowest bid, so I'm not at all surprised that the deadline couldn't be met. I only hope that the low bidder actually has the equipment, personnel and know-how to get an accurate assessment of the situation in Fukushima.