Alberton First Alliance takes issue with pylons
"The Environmental Impact Assessment was never really done and if they go through with this, many old houses and trees, etc, will be destroyed, thus destroying Alberton's heritage and historical sites."
THE Alberton First Alliance (AFA) got together recently to discuss the way forward in their fight against the erection of pylons/power lines through Alberton.
Representatives from AfriForum, the Alberton Heritage Society, Alberton Primary School, Alberton Business Council, the Democratic Alliance and the Freedom Front Plus met at Claus Inn, New Redruth, on May 2, regarding this project that they believe will greatly affect Alberton.
All parties had a turn to speak, and highlighted alleged irregularities and illegal actions in the process that has led to the plans to build the pylons being accepted in council.
“The Environmental Impact Assessment was never really done and if they go through with this, many old houses and trees, etc, will be destroyed, thus destroying Alberton’s heritage and historical sites,” said Beverley Small from the Alberton Heritage Society.
AfriForum has lodged many complaints and asked for documentation pertaining to this issue – so they can see, they say, why so many procedures were completely ignored or done very poorly and just who is ‘pushing it through’ despite all these alleged problems. “We have set up petitions and the community needs to get involved. We want to know why there was an irregular (illegal) extension given; we want to see minutes for meetings held and we want to know why no consultation with stakeholders was done. We plan on approaching the High Court if all this fails,” said Ernst Roets from AfriForum.
Another question that arose was why Eskom insists on taking the route right through Alberton when there are apparently alternative routes that would not affect anyone and would be cheaper. The option of putting the lines underground was also suggested.
On an argument that there are no in-depth studies on adverse effects on people caused by pylons/power lines, Julius Ndobe, Alberton Primary School representative, said: “The fact that you are not allowed to build or live near these power lines suggests that there are adverse effects and that they are known about.”
Other issues – like the lines planned to go through the 50- and 100-year flood lines – were discussed, as electrocution was raised as a grave concern. “Who will take responsibility when people die?” asked Small.
It was alleged that no water licenses have been acquired and natural streams will also be affected.
The Alliance plans to do everything in their power to fight this project that they believe will deface Alberton, bring down property values, affect business and may even hold serious health risks, not to mention the fact that the power produced will not even go to Alberton.
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