Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street Private Bag X9086, , 8000 Tel No.: 021-483 2990 Fax No.: 021-483 3211 En Environmental and Development Planning News NEWS Vol. 01/2005 Cleanest Town entering final phase The 2005 Western Cape Cleanest Town Competition is entering its final phase towards rewarding good waste management practices in the province. Contested by all 24 local municipalities for the coveted prize of cleanest town in the Western Cape, winning this prestigious award automatically allows entry into the national competition for the ultimate cleanest town in . Having announced the competitions' 3rd consecutive run since its inception in 2001 during September last year, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Tasneem Essop emphasised that the focus of the competition is the effective utilisation by municipalities of available resources. Foremost improvements to manage waste were Aimed at changing attitudes by raising awareness, and introduced by certain municipalities. Seen above educating our nation towards environmentally friendly is what took place before these changes were waste management practices, the competition is a implemented, ... below - the new look. vehicle to encourage South Africans to pro-actively participate in the moral regeneration of their communities. This will be done by re-introducing pride and commitment to clean up our environment. More than 50% of South African communities, especially in townships, rural and informal areas do not have access to a proper waste collection system.

During the week of 21 to 25 February, the evaluation panel for the competition visited municipalities located within the district municipalities of Breede Valley, Central Karoo, Eden and Overberg. Having tapped into the environmentally related expertise of various Departments, such as Health, Water Affairs and Forestry and the Fairest Cape Association, the panel has positioned itself as a transparent and unbiased adjudicator. This is especially a challenging task, because municipalities that are simply outstanding in certain areas have to be evaluated against some municipalities where room for improvement certainly exists. Yes, some municipalities are truly way beyond continued on page 2... All articles in this newsletter are available in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa on our website www.capegateway.gov.za/eadp

1 Soos die Kommunikasie- komponent dit sien Hiermee dan die eerste uitgawe van EnD NEWS EnD News vir 2005 dis bykans onmoontlik om te begryp dat Official Newsletter of the Department of ons reeds vanuit die oujaar, deur Februarie met sy Environmentla Affairs and Development Planning rooi harte en rose tot in Maart met blink-oog paashase geval het! Ons het weer daarin geslaag Published by Communications om 'n opwindende, volgepakte uitgawe Utilitas Building beskikbaar te stel. Interessante nuusbrokkies Private Bag X9086 wissel van die einde van die jaarfunksie tot wenke 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town, 8000 om water te bespaar. Onthou asseblief, dat ons, soos in die verlede op u samewerking staat maak Tel: 021-483 2823 om die nuusbrief te verbeter. Gee alle idees en Fax: 021-483 3211 nuusbrokkies deur aan u naaste E-mail: [email protected] nuusbriefverslagskrywer of skakel die Website: www.capegateway.gov.za/eadp Kommunikasiekomponent direk by (021) 483-2990. Editor/co-ordinator: Coenraad Pieterse

Voorspoed vir al u werksaamhede. The views expressed in this newsletter are not Kommunikasiekomponent. necessarily the views of the Department.

... continued from page 1 expectations and have introduced state of the art facilities to manage waste disposal most efficiently. Waste disposal however is but one of a number of steps utilised in waste management that are looked at.

All in all consistent improvements in waste management initiatives were noted, while certain municipalities still need encouragement to improve their waste management services. Recycling and waste minimisation still do not receive the required attention in the entire waste management cycle. For example, chipping of garden refuse to become compost can contribute significantly towards integrated waste management. Adding to that, a ton of recycled soft drink cans equals 30 000 cans of soft drinks which provides the ideal opportunity for entrepreneurship. Highly disturbing though was the dumping of abattoir waste at dumpsites not designed for this kind of waste. Of great concern was the incidence of squatters on dumpsites, scavenging for food and battling to survive. Not only does this pose a serious health hazard to those people, but accompanying children also do not attend schools, and have no access to proper health care. Some municipalities however showed a decline in their waste management services, indicating either no interest in the competition or a disregard for environmentally friendly waste management practices. Said that, the Cleanest Town Competition does not focus merely on activities specifically designed to suitably impress the evaluation panel, but assesses the municipalities according to waste management related activities aimed at improving the environment for its inhabitants. Since entry into the competition requires no additional spending from a municipality, everyone is evaluated on merit, notwithstanding budget deficits and or external influences beyond control.

For more information on the Cleanest Town The CTC Evaluation Panel occasionally Competition, phone Russel Mehl on (021) 483 2752, sampled the delicacies from the different or e-mail [email protected]. municipal districts during their evaluation tours.

2 A Home for all The Western Cape Government has a new identity. The symbol by which the Western Cape will be known and recognised, was launched on Reconciliation Day at a function at Leeuwenhof.

As a Provincial Government, we invoke not only Chief Albert Luthuli's original words from 1958 when he described his vision of our beloved country as a 'Home for All' for the first time, but the generosity of spirit, the call for unity, the need for all of us to act together to build a future that is more equal, non-racial, multi-cultural, interfaith, multi-lingual and non-sexist.

With our vision of "A Home for All", the Western Cape Government acknowledges that the consequences of our past cannot disappear overnight. We know it is crucial that we take a bold step to unite the people of our province. With our vision we are saying that , Blacks, Whites and Indians need not fear one another; differences and diversity need not be divisive. While we build a united province, there must be room for all our identities to be understood, respected and valued. Very clearly you and I as members of this Government must say that regardless of race, class, gender, age, religion, culture, language, ethnicity, geography, or sexual orientation - the Western Cape will be A Home for All.

This is the Western Cape of our dreams. A Western Cape that is truly A Home for All is the only guarantee of a sustainable and harmonious future, where deep social wounds can be healed, where violence is banished, where we don't call each other offensive names, and where suspicion and mistrust do no lurk on every sports field, in every office, the delivery of services and in our communities.

We believe that our new logo is both innovative and creative, and that it has the important and memorable symbolism to become an easily recognizable stamp -symbolising both inclusion and individuality.

The bright orange dot in the middle of the logo represents the individual -a glowing form, complete and unthreatened. This forms the core of the logo. The light orange swirl around the bright orange dot represents the mysterious, energetic power of conversation and transformation, and gives the logo movement and dynamism.

The swirl is surrounded by a harmonious type setting of the English, Afrikaans and Xhosa translations of the words "Western Cape" and "Home for All". Subtle orange and vermilion triangle designs have been used to separate the phrases, while at the same time connecting the logo's glowing orange centre with the wider world outside.

We believe that the colours used in the logo significantly contribute to its lively energy and its potential to enchant and captivate. Orange represents life, the sun, power and happiness, while white denotes spirituality, change and grace.

The launch of our new Home for All logo marks a new chapter in the history of the Western Cape. We are so fortunate to be citizens of this province and, as government officials, to be in a position to contribute to building A Home for All the people of the Western Cape. We are the ones who must lead in creating this better world through sacrifice, sharing, understanding, learning and commitment.

Let us use and apply this logo proudly, drawing from its creative energy and inspiration to realise our shared and noble vision.

3 Eric Deacon Huldeblyk

Die Departement het met leedwese van die dood van Eric Deacon na 'n lang siekbed op Vrydagmiddag 11 Februarie, verneem. Hy het die pos van Stads- en Streekbeplanner beklee, en het vanaf 1 April waargeneem as Hoof Stads- en Streekbeplanner vir die Tygerberg en Boland area. Hy het aan die Universiteit van Potchefstroom gegradueer, en was net meer as 17 jaar werksaam in die Staatsdiens waarvan die afgelope 13 jaar in die Provinsie: Weskaap. Sy gesin en familie word net sterkte en simpatie toegebid met hul verlies.

Government The province is also preparing to deal with the effects of climate change, one of the and religious more immediate challenges to re-align ourselves to deal with shorter periods of rain fall in the region. During January the leaders pray Premier announced a number of immediate measures to deal with the impacts of global for rain warming and climate change. Premier Rasool and religious leaders from Premier , the Provincial across the spectrum have called on cabinet, mayors, members of the provincial everyone to join in praying for the storm legislature and religious leaders have joined clouds to gather, for the heavens to open almost 2 000 people on February 3 in and to shower us with its abundant Piketberg to pray for rain. The Premier, blessings. This call to pray was the Professor Russell Botman and Archbishop beginning of a course of action. Njongonkulu Ndungane were the main speakers at the inter-faith event. Farmers, Under the theme 'A Province united in the both established and emerging, as well as Face of Drought, Fires and Floods: a Call to farmworkers also addressed the attendees. Prayer and Change' the multi-faith service started this course of action in Piketberg, The Western Cape faces a massive one of the worst affected areas. challenge in ensuring the sustainability of our meager water resources in the midst of After the service a call was made for a daily a crippling drought that has led to severe observance of a minute of prayer at noon water restrictions, and virtually destroying each day for: parts of our agricultural sector. The forecast W unity, compassion and sharing, for rain remains bleak, our dams, at a level W the drought to be alleviated, of 39% is at an all time low. Many farmers W those most affected by the drought and will not be able to harvest and with there is fires and floods [especially farm workers a real possibility that livestock will have to and owners], be culled. W us to plan our water usage and future well, Farmworkers and especially seasonal W us to use this most precious resource farmworkers face a dire future, as farmers with responsibility and gratitude are unable to pay or employ them. W wisdom and strength to our leaders as they guide us through this difficult time of challenge and long-term change. 4 Jasper Stupart of the Centre for E-Innovation highlighted issues regarding the line function data GIS Day 2004 responsibilities of each provincial department, warehousing of their data, connectivity issues to the On the 19th of November 2004, the Department central warehouse, and the promotion of shared of Environmental Affairs and Development data as well as data standard issues. Provincial Planning hosted a successful Geographical Departments were requested to play an active role Information System (GIS) awareness event. The in supplying reliable data to avoid unnecessary GIS Day is an international event, which is duplication and promote sharing data sources. annually celebrated in November during the Geography Awareness Week. We would like to thank all the participants and attendees for their support of the GIS day 2004 The theme for the Department's GIS Day 2004 was event. We will appreciate more interdepartmental “Using GIS for Sustainable Development”. This participation in next year's GIS Day celebrations. year, the Sub-directorate Information Services had Note on further GIS Awareness campaigns the intention to promote GIS internally to all the During the week of 3 - 6 May 2005, GISSA will be Provincial Departments. Most of the Provincial hosting a Provincial GIS Week 2005 campaign. The Departments were represented with 55 people in focus is on teachers and scholars in the Western attendance. The objectives for the event were to Cape since GIS as a geography module are to be promote interdepartmental co-operation, considered for schools during 2006. This event will promoting data access and sharing, and also target the general public to create GIS highlighted the use of GIS as a decision-making awareness. The sub-directorate will also be tool in support of sustainable development. assisting GISSA in organizing the GIS Week.

The important guests included Minister Tasneem Essop, the Head of the Department, Mr. Tolmay, other senior provincial officials, two committee members from GISSA (Geo-Informatics Society of South Africa), and others from private companies.

Minister Tasneem Essop in her opening address stressed some of the major GIS challenges, including the importance of acquiring accurate and reliable data upon which sound decision-making can be based. She again highlighted the Provincial Spatial Development Framework for the future development of this Province.

In line with the Sustainable Development theme, presentations were made by two Provincial Departments, the , CapeNature, as well as GISCOE, a private GIS Company.

The Directorate Pollution and Waste Management also presented the Integrated Pollution and Waste GIS Day 2004 Task Team Information System (IPWIS) under development. The IPWIS will essentially contain the functionalities (Left to Right) Akhona Damane - the coordinator of both a Waste Information System, which is a for GIS Day 2004, Cecily Van der Berg, requirement in terms of the National Waste Simphiwe Vanqa, Deidré Foster, Mureda Hourgaard, Management Strategy, and a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register. Kitta Saayman and André Van der Merwe.

The uses of satellite imagery were also highlighted (Front) Lehan Fouché, the Head of the GIS Unit during the GIS Day event, and high resolution and Trevlyn Davies. images obtained from the Quickbird satellite were demonstrated. The advantages of satellite imagery For further information and co-operation, please for the provincial government are numerous and contact Lehan Fouché of the Sub-directorate further investigation to acquire high resolution Information Services at (021) 483 3688 (or Email images need further attention. [email protected] or fax 021-483-4440). 5 Farouk Gamiet from the Centre for E Innovation has taken up office in Utilitas as IT Services Manager for the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

Being privileged to have our own IT services manager on board, Farouk already made a huge difference towards service delivery and some very happy end users.

Your IT Farouk can be contacted at representative 483 2765 or [email protected].

Know your 2WISE 2 WASTE champions

2wise2waste is now up and running. We have presented the project to almost every person in the Department and Ministry and most people have been enthusiastic about this project. We have a strong team of floor champions who are there to help roll the project out to all floors in the various buildings. The floor champions have already had a short meeting to introduce themselves to each other and all staff will hopefully know the champion on their floor. If you're the kind of person who leaves your computer on overnight or wastes paper when printing documents, then you'd better beware.... the floor champion will be encouraging you to do things smarter and better!

Things to look out for over the next few months will be bins for general recycling (cans, glass, plastic), and refilling of printer cartridges. In the meantime people are doing well with using the paper recycling bins; please remember no paper ream wrappers they are waxy and non-recyclable. For February we collected 300kg of high grade white paper. Remember to concentrate on reducing the amount you print it also saves ink/toner and electricity, as well as paper. Now that cooler weather is on the way, it's a good time to open up the windows in the mornings to get fresh, cool air in.

Yours in getting greener! Roger Diamond.

FLOOR CHAMPIONS

UTILITAS BUILDING PROPERTY CENTRE floor champion phone floor champion phone 1 Ziyanda Tshangela x3626 M Dennis Laidler x3925 2 Caro Werner x4225 1 Marek Kedzieja x4525 3 Rowan Barker x3564 2 Letitia Petrus x3240 4 Marlin Williams x2984 3 Raudhiyah Waggie x5561 5 Collin Mnyani x2736 4 Robyn Britten x4378 6 Carl Browne x3009 5 Lize Jennings x2900 7 Melanie Webber x2989 6 Justice Matshili x5583 8 Suraya Hamdulay x2726 9 Beauty Msitshane x3915 LEEUSIG BUILDING 10 Anthea Smith x2736 4 Samantha Govender x2775 11 Lynette Speller x4471 4 Christobel Johnston x5298

6 National Condom Week

With the Western Cape in the situation that it currently finds itself in with regards to the HIV prevalence, the health department embarked on setting a week aside in February each year to raise awareness around condom usage. National condom week focused on encouraging people to be more responsible for their sexual behavior.

Simply put, our Department will not attend any awareness campaigns if there is no incentive. In the midst of all the imbizo's and conferences and not to mention meetings, it seems as though no one has the time for AIDS! Most feel that AIDS and HIV is something that does not affect them directly. Deidré Foster explaining how to use The problem is this, how would you know whether or not the female condom. you're affected by the pandemic, if you're not interested to find out about the statistics. Maybe its over-publicized and no one is interested anymore. Maybe it's the World Health Organization (WHO) with their alarming statistics, giving many, the idea that no matter what we do, it won't be good enough. What ever the reason for the nonchalance around the topic, the point is the work has to be done and people need to be informed.

Bringing this closer to home, at our Department, we need a paradigm shift in terms of the way we see information sessions. Condom week is celebrated and embraced around the world. It's time we start embracing it as well. Next time you see an invitation in the lifts, come along and share in the fun, we've learnt our lesson, we'll provide refreshments! Deidré Foster Disability Feedback A survey was conducted in the Department to More people with disabilities should be given the determine staff's understanding and perception of opportunity to work in suitable positions in the disability. Great concern was shown towards Department. Employing people with a disability is people with disabilities and of accidents happening the ideal situation. Will the building however be in the workplace. accessible to people with a disability? Physically, the building is not completely accessible, but it can There is always a chance of an accident that cannot accommodate people with a disability. Depending be predicted, and no one is exempted from it. It on the person's disability, the lifts need to be can be avoided though when the necessary operative at all times, and vehicles cannot be precautions are borne in mind and pro-actively parked in front of the building, blocking the ramp. applied. However, people with a disability are Ramps, toilets and certain physical changes to the either born with it, or some incident took place that building need to be made for complete accessibility. resulted in them being disabled. Cognisance should be taken of people with The results of the survey indicate that staff disabilities, and provision in terms of their disability understands what disability and disability equity should be made in government in general. For are, The missing component of employment equity, example, using people with a disability in call being the redressing of imbalances in society, centers. means that previously disadvantaged groups can now be represented and supported in their Staff in the Department is required to visit different advancement towards equality in society. Disability sites and go to certain places that could pose as however, is often forgotten or misrepresented by being dangerous. The Department should role-players. continuously explore avenues to promote the safety of staff.

7 The Provincial Government of the Western Cape has committed itself to work across departments and ministries for delivering on the immediate challenges facing us towards sustainable development in the Province. In this regard, Minister Tasneem Essop has pledged herself and the Department to the principles of iKapa Elihlumayo.

Minister Essop has joined efforts with Minister Marius Fransman's initiative to streamline low-cost housing by donating trees to families in Khayelitsha receiving new houses. On Friday, December 10, 2004 Minister Fransman has handed over 16 houses to new owners in Khayelitsha, heralding 16 days of Activism. Minister Essop has donated two trees to each household at this event, signaling a dedicated effort towards greening of the environment. Also present at the tree planting ceremony was national Housing Minister, Dr Lindiwe Sisulu. Trees for Khayelitsha

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry donated the 32 trees to Minister Essop for the event. This Department acknowledges this generous donation of trees to our Minister, allowing us to be part of building a home for all.

Departemental Imbizo

Recently all members of staff had the privilege to participate in a Departmental Imbizo. They were addressed by Minister Essop, and were afforded the opportunity to raise concerns.

8 Sustainability Development Implementation Plan for the Western Cape The Department of Environmental Affairs and These goals are to, eradicate extreme poverty and Development Planning will embark upon a hunger, achieve universal primary education, Sustainable Development Plan for the Western promote gender equality and empower women, Cape Province. The commitment to develop reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, strategies for a sustainable development combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases, implementation plan emanated from the ensure environmental sustainability and develop Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI). This global partnerships for development. Plan will be developed in conjunction with other provincial departments and will culminate in the The first seven goals are mutually reinforcing and Western Cape Sustainable Development are directed at reducing poverty in all its forms. Conference, which is being organized for The last goal i.e. global partnerships for 19-22 June 2005. development are about the means to achieve the first seven. The Sustainable Development The Sustainable Development Implementation Plan Conference will look at ways of implementing the will focus on themes such as Water and Sanitation, goals within the Western Cape, whilst taking into Energy, Health, Agriculture, Biodiversity, similarly consideration Society, the Economy and the to the themes of the World Summit on Sustainable Environment. Development (WSSD). In conjunction with the main conference parallel events such as, the The Department of Environmental Affairs and launching of the Provincial Spatial Development Development Planning is keen to forge a strong Framework, a GIS event, a launch of a renewable working relationship with other Provincial energy study and much more will be held. Departments, sectors such as business, labour, civil society, national and local government to develop In a consultative process with international the Western Cape's Sustainable Development agencies, including the World Bank, the IMF, the Implementation Plan. In this way everyone in the OECD and specialised agencies of the United Western Cape takes ownership of the Plan and Nations. The General Assembly recognized the together it can be implemented. Millennium Development Goals as the road map for sustainable development. New Appointments

MR A. ISAACS MR N. MARARAKANYE MR O.A. MODISE MS A.I. LA MEYER MR R.C. TSIMAKWANE MS N.S. CHIPU MR T.V. TAUTE MR A. MATOTI MS S. BRINKHUYS MR F. P. VENTURI MR C.J. ROBERTSON MS D.I. MOKOLO MR W.H.L . HECTOR MR A. GABRIEL MR S.T. MAREBANE MS G.G. SNYDERS MS C.J. STEYN MR J.T. HANABE MR A.J. NEMALILI ME S.M. LE ROUX MR M.R. MIYAMBU MR M.B. FELAAR MS K.S. TE ROLLER MS E.D. DE JAGER MR M.D. SEHASWANA

9 Commercial land based wind energy developments to be introduced to the West Coast

Across the world countries are faced with the The harnessing of wind energy as an alternative challenge of balancing the environmental needs and renewable source of power has developed in against energy needs in an effort to strive for response to the alarming rate that non-renewable sustainability. The environmental implications of energy resources are being depleted. the extraction of natural fuel resources, energy Internationally, the wind energy industry has generation use and consumption have been developed at an unprecedented rate over the last recognised, and are increasingly being addressed 10 to 15 years. Wind turbines are new features to by policy makers. The burning of fossil fuels is many landscapes around the world. It must be responsible for about 80% of the global human- noted that in order for a wind energy development generated greenhouse gasses. The global to be commercially viable, it must consist of a realisation to reduce greenhouse emissions was number of wind turbines, each turbine measuring emphasised with many countries adopting the approximately 100m (current international trends) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate in height. Change (UNFCCC) during May 1992. More than 180 countries ratified the UNFCCC, acknowledging Wind energy in the Western Cape the need to stabilise the concentration of Over recent years significant interest has been greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. shown in the harnessing of our wind resources in the Western Cape Although South Africa (particularly along the has ratified the UNFCCC West Coast due to its indicating the country's abundant wind interest to reduce global resources) for the levels of greenhouse gases, generation of in terms of the Kyoto electricity. Thus far two Protocol, the country is not applications for the obliged to reduce its establishment of wind greenhouse gas emissions energy developments as it is considered a 'Non- within the province Annex I country' (A non- have been approved Annex I country is and other investors sometimes referred to as a have indicated similar developing country). interests.

According to the Draft Energy Efficiency Strategy In order to ensure that future wind energy projects (Department of Minerals and Energy, 2004), South are implemented in a sustainable manner that take Africa uses 40% of the energy consumed within the national and provincial priorities into account, in African continent. Reasons for South Africa's high 2003, the Department of Environmental Affairs and energy consumption is the fact that the country's Development Planning initiated a strategic process economy is largely based on minerals extraction to develop regional criteria that can be used for the and processing which is very energy intensive (the proactive identification of areas that are suitable or Industrial and Mining Sectors accounting for more unsuitable for the establishment of wind energy than two-thirds of the national electricity usage). developments based on environmental and spatial Even though South Africa is endowed with various concerns. potential renewable energy resources, the country is still lagging behind in our efforts to utilise these The regional guiding criteria are to propose and resources particularly as the historically low demonstrate standards set by the Provincial electricity price has resulted in the absence of little Government of the Western Cape for future wind incentive to develop other forms of energy energy developments within the province. It is generation. envisaged that the product of the study should include a set of maps indicating areas suitable/unsuitable for wind energy developments. 10 The initiative involved the appointment of a Where are we now departmental task team to fulfill the following tasks: In January 2005, the Department advertised a call for tenders in the media to invite consultants with 1. Perform a desktop study to research the the relevant expertise and experience in the field of implementation of similar projects landscape assessments (and understanding of the internationally and to document best practice field of wind energy), to conduct a specialist methodologies. assessment as follows:

2. Applying the lessons learnt in the international •To undertake a detailed landscape assessment context to a local context through the “broad of the study area; and brush” analysis of a local study area along the West Coast. • To compare the no-go areas identified through the application of the draft criteria (as 3. Interaction with members of a Reference Group contained in the draft report), with the no-go (key local and national stakeholders), areas identified through the landscape governments of international countries assessment. responsible for decision making pertaining to wind energy developments, international wind The ideal outcome of the above-mentioned study energy associations, wind energy consultants, would be that the areas identified through the environmental organisations, visual impact landscape assessment closely coincide with those consultants and planners for comment and to identified by the draft criteria depicted in the draft access information. report. If successful, it will negate the need to do time consuming and expensive landscape In 2004, the task team distributed a draft report assessments every time new areas for wind energy titled Strategic initiative to introduce commercial developments are earmarked. land based wind energy development in the West Coast (the draft report). The draft report documents If the outcome of the above-mentioned study that internationally, a greater awareness has indicates that a landscape assessment at a regional developed regarding the selection of suitable sites level is needed for all new areas, a clear for the placement of these developments and a methodology must be developed, that can be greater significance is placed on the preservation followed for the execution of a landscape of valuable landscapes and areas of environmental assessment at a regional level. In addition the significance. In some instances authorities who had lessons learned during the study can also be undertaken a strategic approach to determine applied to develop a methodology to be employed suitable areas for these developments (after years at the EIA level (i.e. assessing a site for a particular of uncoordinated development) had found that development in context of the surrounding many of the sites on which existing wind energy landscape). developments exists, today would have been considered unsuitable if the cumulative impacts of Mr. Paul Hardcastle [email protected] or Ms. these developments had been envisaged. Raudhiyah Waggie [email protected] can be contacted for further information. The draft report contains recommended criteria and thresholds to be used to inform no go areas/ areas suitable for wind energy development within the province. Some of the proposed thresholds differ substantially from that used internationally. The preliminary thresholds captured in the draft report were based on a “broad-brush” assessment of the local context, and a more detailed assessment of the spatial, environment and social characteristics of the local study areas is needed to finalise the thresholds.

11 Cleanest Town on the West Coast The provincial evaluation panel started their assessment of the various municipal areas of the Western Cape on 2 February 2005. The first area assessed comprised the municipalities that form part of the West Coast District Municipality.

The following towns were visited on 2 and 3 February 2005:

Bergrivier Municipality Redlinghuys Aurora Velddrif Cederberg Municipality Graafwater Clanwilliam Citrusdal Matzikama Municipality Vredendal Lutzville Klawer Saldanha Bay Municipality Vredenberg Hopefield West Coast Penin. Swartland Municipality Mooreesburg Darling Malmesbury

Most of the areas visited over the abovementioned two days showed a marked improvement since the previous competition and the municipalities have shown renewed enthusiasm in trying to improve the living conditions and environmental situation for their inhabitants.

Although the drought in the area has had visible effects on the environment, there appears to be a constant drive to implement water saving methods and to provide visible campaigns relating to improved management of water resources.

Waste removal services are provided to all the towns that were visited and although sporadic incidents of illegal dumping were visible, a marked improvement in this respect was noted when compared with previous years. One area where municipalities need to keep a careful eye is the some cases, more than 95% of waste disposed of at adequate management of skips within the informal these facilities is recyclable and an improvement in areas, as some of these were seen to be overflowing recycling activities would increase landfill airspace. with litter. This issue needs serious consideration at most of the towns visited, as minimal recycling programmes In most of the business areas, streets were generally have been implemented in the area. An exception spotless, adequate pavement bins were provided is the Swartland Municipality, where a fully and street sweeping occurred. The schools, clinics functional Materials Recovery Facility is operational and libraries that were seen by the panel were well at the Highlands Landfill Site in Malmesbury, and maintained and even graffiti on walls was seldom initial separation of waste prior to haulage to seen. Sports fields in both the low-cost housing as Malmesbury was observed at the Mooreesburg well as the more affluent areas were generally well landfill site. maintained, although in some cases the affects of the drought were noticeable. The panel interviewed some of the local inhabitants in each of the areas visited and most had a positive The main problem is still the management of waste attitude to the type and level of services that the disposal facilities. Uncontrolled access, poor fencing, municipalities were delivering. wind blown litter, burning of waste and a lack of adequate covering material are amongst the problems that the panel observed concerning the management of these facilities in the West Coast.

The Vredenberg landfill facility has shown the best improvement in both management practices as well as on-site operations. It should be noted that, in

12