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