MARICO BOSVELD FARMER’S UNIONARNO FAUL

P.O. BOX 143, Skuinsdrif 2851

0145040073 / 0835450118

Re: Delta-Epsilon Transmission power line project 6x765 kv from Lephalale to

Potchefstroom. Your letter dated 14.3.08 with the attached executive

summary and the Draft Scoping Report

Att: The public participation consultant of Margen Industrial Services

Me. Marti Moolman

Att:The environmental consultant of Margen Industrial Services

Me. Jean Beater

Att:The proponent Eskom Holdings Ltd.

To all concerned

This is a summary of the meeting dated 23.4.08 between Margen Industrial Services and the Marico Bosveld Farmer’s Union, facilitated by PDS Civil Engineers and Mr. Dries v.d. Merwe Pr Eng of Pretoria.

The meeting starts with a round trip through the mountainous area south of the N4 where it is shown that the terrain is very difficult, stony and not accessible. The fire hazard as well as the wind funnel effect in the deep valleys are discussed.

During a slide and video show several problem areas are highlighted and discussed as follows:

1. The health hazards for humans and animals. Various studies are available and will

be looked into. The planned corridor runs over a population of more than 10.000

people and a state water irrigation scheme with approx. 100 owners and more than

2500 workers. Many animals would also be effected, especially huge chicken

farms.

2. The problem of the floodplain next to the Marico river especially on the farm

Koppieskraal is discussed, as well as the ice and frost in winter as well as the loamy

ground and the effect of strong winds in the valley. Lightning on the iron koppies

is also mentioned.

3. The avifauna in the area is discussed with mention of the several riverine systems,

wetlands and a huge vulture and raptor population.

4.The effect of fires on wheat and maize lands is discussed.

5. The scarce trees especially a huge wood of Camel thorn trees would have to be

destroyed in the case of the corridor being put here.

6. Cables and water mother lines are abundant on fields, very difficult to erect pylons.

7. Cost of arable irrigated land more expensive than grazing areas in communal

ownership.

8. Shorter route available, job opportunities, money for communal areas, contracts for

communal areas. Less owners, route much flatter and gradual climb until the

highveld section south of the N4 is discussed.

9. It would be advisable to erect an industrial “supercorridor” of 10 km plus at

Moedwil, all pros and contras are discussed

Our objective is to prove to you and Escom that the proposed corridor through our Marico valley is not viable for all concerned, due to the following factors which we summarized for ease of understanding, as follows:

Description Type of impact

1. Longer distance to be covered - cost increase by approx. R 258 mill Financial

2. Higher number of ground owners involved Judicial&

-more individuals who would resist with court cases etc. Financial

-more individuals to be compensated, more negotiation

3. Higher value of ground that is affected (five to sevenfold) Financial

-developed and worked fields higher valued than natural grazing

4. Higher number of human lives affected due to crossing of villages Humanitarian

-(> 10.000) people in Koffiekraal, Uitkyk, Straatsdrif, Skuinsdrif Health

5.High impact on labour conditions of all workers employed on the Humanitarian

irrigation scheme (>3000) plus their families Labour

6.High impact on young population/children by crosssing next to or Humanitarian

over schools and creches. German development programme in Health

jeopardy.

7. High costs of removal of numerous homes of ground owners and Financial

workers

8. Negative effects of concentrating on a relatively more populated General

and absolutely intensively farmed area instead of crossing sparsely

populated and extensively used area

9. Extremely high costs of crossing cattle feed lots, chicken farms Financial

under roofs and intensive sheepbreeding farms.

10.Potential loss of jobs for workers on the irrigation scheme Labour&

humanitarian

11.Potential loss of future investments and present financial Financial&

engagements humanitarian

-landclaims under the corridor on the farms Straatsdrif and

Haakdoringbult, Olfantsvallei

-upcoming farmers already have 30% of arable land

-tourism

12. Crossing of and negative impact on wetlands with high bird Environ-

population and rare bird species mental

13. Crossing of riverine bush habitat on one of S.A.´s cleanest Environ-

rivers with green status (Marico river) as well as several mental

wetlands supporting the bird, amphibian, mammal population

14. Negative impact of electromagnetic radiation on

Humans = cancer risk, low fertility, low libido, stunted growth

aggresion, palpitations etc. Health&

Animals= fertility and libido loss, low calving rate, cancer, Humanitarian

aggresion, calcification of the brain etc. Financial

Crops = yield losses, stunted growth, radiation

15. West of the Groot Marico river the mountainous areas are steeper

and higher therefore less accessible and more difficulties areas for Financial&

MAINTENANCE and FIREFIGHTING fire safety

16. Agricultural lands are burned down every year to destroy the Fire

roughage left after the harvest, in order to plant a second and

third crop quickly

17. Scientific research in U.K., Europe, U.S.A. and Canada as well Health

as countries such as Japan and Sweden especially prove a wide

spectrum negative effects on health and well-being of effected humans.

Sources on the internet are available for your perusal and will be

used by our lawyer Mr. Grutter of Grutter and Grobbelaar Attorneys.

Pros for erecting the line in the communal area such as poverty alleviation, less environmental impact, job creation, much shorter route, gradual rise and fall in the landscape etc. will be highlighted by our consultant Mr. Dries v.d. Merwe

of PDS Civil Engineers in Pretoria.

We thank you for your attention and remain with sincere greetings

Mr. Ben Buys, Chairman