The three officials mishandled the plant and the problems caused by the incident. Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda plans to quit in the near future. The controversy over nuclear leaks continues as Japan ponders alternative sources of energy at a time of shortages.

Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Japanese government has sacked three officials in charge of nuclear power safety and policy. Radioactive material is still leaking from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant after it was damaged by a devastating earthquake and tsunami on 11 March.

For Japan's Trade and Industry Minister, Banri Kaieda, the three senior officials were responsible for mishandling the plant and the problems that followed the incident.

Those sacked are the head of the nuclear safety agency, Nobuaki Terasaka, the head of the agency for natural resources and energy, Tetsuhiro Hosono, and the deputy minister for the Economy, Trade and Industry, Kazuo Matsunaga.

Mr Kaieda, who played a key role in managing the Fukushima crisis, also said he plans to resign to take responsibility.

Recently, Prime Minister Naoto Kan has said the country must shift towards alternative energy sources.

Meanwhile, the government plans to introduce new nuclear safety regulations to ensure greater security and responsibility.

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