SEELAND DEVELOPMENT TRUST COMMUNITY WIND FARM Socio Economic

SEELAND DEVELOPMENT TRUST COMMUNITY WIND FARM

Socio –Economic Status Saldanha Bay Municipality of which St. Helena Bay forms part is a Fishing dependent Community. The Fishing Industry has been facing many challenges over the years from global warming; decrease allocations of Fishing Right from Government due to that fact. The Trust was formed to explore Alternative Economic Opportunities

COMMUNITY WIND FARM BACKGROUND The Seeland Development Trust was formed and established in 2006. It funded to procure 717 hectares of Farm land through the LRAD Programme of then Dept. Land Affairs. It was formed to promote alternative economic activities in fishing dominated area.

Wind Farm objectives To be a significant Economic Boost to Community To better the lives of broader-community and Seeland members Adress key issues : Educational Fund-eg Bursaries Entrepeneurship Fund-assist local small Business Civil Society : Non for profit organizational support

CURRENT PROJECTS The Seeland Trust has identified few initiatives as part of the long–term Strategy to fast track job opportunities for the local community and its members; the Trust identified the following projects as viable project for the area: SHEEP FARMING TUNNEL FARMING BRICK MANUFACTURING WIND FARMING

SHEEP FARMING SDT researched that the Ill De France & Dohne Marino breed is good farming breed for the West Coast environment. The Ill De France rams and Dohne Marino breed gives between two to three lambs, but the projection are done trough minimal of two lambs per ewe. TUNNEL FARMING Through the assistance of an expert who also built the tunnels with the total of 2000 plant bags. We are receiving further assistance from the University of Stellenbosch.

Brick Manufacturing Amongst other commodities that our farm has is sand; we have enough sand our Brick manufacturing which is sold to our local community.

Community Wind Farm The Trust has been investigating a Wind Farm Project for the last 5 years. Due to financial challenges the Trust could not continue with Wind Initiative. Until the Trust joined partnership with Oxfam GB (UK)Wind Developer Just Energy.

Status of the Project The Trust together with its Partner Just Energy is Developing a 25 Megawatt Utility Project on the Trust’s Property in St. Helena with a Wind Resource. There is a 50 m Wind Mast which has been collecting data since May 2009 showing a very good wind resource.

Quest for Support Ø The Trust is seeking Government funding support for the success of the Project; also to train our community on management. Wind Power Generation.

Cooperation Funding support through DBSA and others, Support for securing REFIT Power Purchase Agreement, Radar Issue: SAAF- South African Airforce, Seeland wish to appeal to DME and other government departments to consider investing funding into the Seeland Project and to assist in facilitating resolution of the RADAR issue with the relevant parties.