COMMUNITY WIND FARM

Socio –Economic StatusSaldanha 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 FARMBACKGROUNDThe 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 objectivesTo be a significant Economic Boost to CommunityTo better the lives of broader-community and

Seeland membersAdress key issues : Educational Fund-eg

Bursaries Entrepeneurship Fund-assist

local small BusinessCivil Society : Non for profit organizational support

CURRENT PROJECTSThe 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 FARMINGTUNNEL FARMINGBRICK MANUFACTURINGWIND FARMING

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

Community Wind FarmThe 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 SupportThe Trust is

seeking Government funding support for the success of the Project; also to train our community on managementWind Power Generation.

CooperationFunding 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.