Heritage Cases

The proposed radio mast is required by Eskom Holdings Ltd in order for the authorised Linking Station to be able to communicate via Radio frequency to other Linking stations in the area. The proposed project is also viewed in a positive context due to the potential for employment creation within the local community. It should also be noted that the cumulative effect of the proposed project and other developments in the area has the potential to result in positive socio-economic opportunities for the region. The proposed project, in conjunction with the authorised Beaufort West cluster of wind developments (since intrinsically linked), will also address electricity constraints within both the local and district Municipalities by generating, distributing and evacuation a continued realisable source of electricity. Improved electrification, increased electricity supply to houses and businesses and investment in renewable energy developments are strategic objectives of both the District and Local Municipality. It should be noted that on 28 October 2021, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy announced the Preferred Bidders of the Round 5 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) (see Section 2.2.10 for explanation on the REIPPPP) and both the Beaufort West (12-12-20-1784-1-AM2) and Trakas (12-12-20-1784-2-AM2) Wind Farm projects (which form part of the Beaufort West Cluster of wind developments) received Preferred Bidder status. These wind energy facilities have now become Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPs) (i.e., SIPs 8 and 10) and therefore a reduced 57-day decision-making timeframe for the competent authority is now applicable, instead of the usual 107 days. SIPs 8 and 10 target the development of green energy in support of the South African economy and the provision of electricity transmission and distribution respectively. DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE NEED, THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO OTHER ALTERNATIVES WHICH CAN PROVIDE THE SERVICE REQUIRED. AS NO ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE TO AVOID IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES ARE PROVIDED WHICH WILL MINIMISE NEGATIVE IMPACTS AND ENHANCE POSITIVE IMPACTS. THE PROPOSED RADIO MAST IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE LONG TERM POSITIVE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS WHICH WILL OUTWEIGH THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS FROM BOTH MUNICIPAL AND EIA PLANNING PERSPECTIVES.