The Eskom Transmission Line Action Committee
C/o P O Box 10
Tulbagh
6820
17 July 2003
Mr Ernest Groenewald
Eskom Transmission
P O Box 1091
JOHANNESBURG
2000
Dear Sir
Proposed 765kw Transmission Line - Cape Strengthening Project
I have been directed by my committee to communicate the feelings of the said committee and the community that we represent as follows;
We cannot see any purpose in commenting on any aspects of the EIA report in respect of matters that do not concern us outside of this valley. After consultation with the general community, business and political leaders, it is the overwhelming consensus that the proposed line in any form and in any location in this valley is totally unacceptable to all. Our objections to the Transmission Line being routed through this valley include but are not limited to the following; The impact on:
our tourism industry
business opportunities in general
growth of our economy
job creation
previously disadvantaged empowerment projects
Our concerns include:
the possible health ramifications
sterilisation of future development
harmful effects to agriculture
ecological impact on breeding the various species of indigenous cranes and other fauna and flora
the severe negative visual impact that the Transmission Line would have on the valley.
The committee is in ongoing communication with effected members of the community of the Tulbagh Valley as well as other areas that are to be impacted by the proposed Transmission Line. 
Furthermore, we wish to bring to your attention that we are most unhappy that Mr Danie Boschoff has been back in our valley again intimating to those he spoke to that despite minor inconveniences this project would go ahead, this despite your undertaking at our first general meeting that this would not happen. The committee and those we represent are extremely disappointed at this development and breach of agreement and it has been difficult to contain the anger of our more vocal members.We formally request that Eskom urgently reconsider its options to the planned routing of the Transmission Line through the Tulbagh Valley.The committee requests your urgent attention to this matter and expects a response to this letter within 12 days, failing which we will consider taking whatever action we then deem appropriate.Yours faithfully
PP Chairperson
Copies to:
The Director General - Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Tulbagh Landbouvereeniging
Tulbagh Sakekamer
Tulbagh Tourism
Ceres Tourism
The Municipal Manager - Drakenstein Municipality
Witzenberg Municipality - Mayor John Schuurman
Boland District Municipality - Mayor Clarence Johnstone
Tulbagh Civics
Ceres Chamber of Commerce/Saakerkamer
Ceres Boerevereeniging