Agricultural Society Letter

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=30 BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=76 style=" border-bottom: 1px solid #3366CC;" BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Tulbagh Info Information</B></div> <div> Agricultural Society Letter</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> </div> </td> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=28 style=" border-top: 1px solid #0066CC; border-left: 1px solid #0066CC;border-right: 1px solid #0066CC; border-bottom: 1px solid #0066CC;" BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=404 width="100%" style=" border-left: 1px solid #3366CC;" BGCOLOR="#000066" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="120" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0099CC HEIGHT= 15 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="local_news.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tulbagh News Page 1"><U>Back to Local News</U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B>LETTER TO ESKOM FROM TULBAGH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY</B></div> <bR> <div> Tulbagh</div> <div> 22 December 2008</div> <div> Mr. Ken Haumann</div> <div> <U>Proposed Eskom Power lines in Tulbagh</U></div> <div> I am writing this letter in my capacity as the current Chairman of the Tulbagh Agricultural Society where this matter has been discussed at length.</div> <div> As you are probably aware, Eskom currently notes that residents involved in Agriculture are not opposed to the Eskom power line planned through the Tulbagh Valley. This followed a meeting between Eskom and the Tulbagh Agricultural Society, held towards the end of 2001. It was minuted at this meeting that no complaints regarding the route or size of the proposed power lines were offered by Tulbagh farmers (residents involved in Agriculture).</div> <div> A series of very important considerations, not previously in effect and thus not taken into account, has since arisen:</div> <div> 1. The route of the power line that was proposed and discussed at the abovementioned meeting in 2001 was closer to the current route of existing power lines at Boontjiesrivier. The route currently under discussion (2008) is much closer to the town of Tulbagh than to the existing power lines at Boontjiesrivier. </div> <div> 2. At the 2001 meeting the actual size of the pylons were not clearly stated by Eskom, neither were any pictures presented of what these pylons might look like. We have since learned that the pylons would have a height of 45 m or more which, in our opinion, will result in an unsightly addition to the local landscape. </div> <div> 3. Seven years ago the Tulbagh Agricultural Society mainly represented farmers north of Tulbagh in the Winterhoek and Roodezandt areas. Because the route proposed for the power line was to be far to the south of Tulbagh it was regarded to be “out of our jurisdiction”, running over land owned by farmers who we did not represent. The Society’s representation base has changed significantly since 2001, with a large number of its members now owning land towards the far south of Tulbagh. </div> <div> 4. Adding to point 3: Where in 2001 most members of the Society were involved mainly in Agriculture, more of our members are now also involved in Agri-tourism. The pristine surroundings and landscape of the Tulbagh area is of the utmost importance for the viability of these businesses. That the route currently proposed for the power lines is much closer to Tulbagh than the route proposed and discussed in 2001, could have a hugely detrimental effect on tourism in our community.</div> <div> 5. Tourism has become integral to the dynamics of the local economy and we as the Tulbagh Agricultural Society have come to realise its potential as a major contributor in revenue, employment and poverty alleviation in our community. These are opportunities we need to maximise. </div> <div> We would like to make it known that we oppose the proposed power lines in its current state and form in the strongest possible terms. We would like to request full consultation on all matters relating to this Eskom proposal.</div> <bR> <div> Yours sincerely,</div> <bR> <div> Jannie Theron</div> <div> Chairman: Tulbagh Agricultural Society</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>