A number of projects
have been initiated that are associated with the protection and sustainability
of the Ingula properties. These projects have either been initiated by the
Ingula Partnership or are Eskom projects influenced by the Ingula Advisory
Committee: Conservation and the Steering Committee.
The following are
some of the key projects, identified as a priority, to either fulfil the
requirements of the Record of Decision or to ensure the environmental
protection and sustainability of the larger wetland area.
More than 95 per cent
of alien trees on the Eskom property have been treated over the last two years
and of these, 90 per cent have been effectively controlled. The involvement of
the community in this process was a significant element, as it creates direct
employment opportunities through local contractors and allows for independent
harvesters to utilise the wood.
A follow up
application will be required in cleared areas for the foreseeable future, which
will involve further intensive management of seedlings and the coppicing and
removal of trees.
The fire management
programme has seen the implementation of a fire strategy to:
- Eliminate
risk to the site for individuals, equipment and infrastructure
- Reduce
risk to and from neighbours
- Manage
biodiversity to ensure a sample of grassland remains unburnt each year and
that refuge areas for animals are developed.
Eskom
has purchased fire equipment to assist with threatening fires that often occur
in the region. A burn plan for the properties of the Ingula Pumped Storage
Scheme has been created and implemented, based on seasonal and
environment-specific objectives. However, this has been compromised by random
and frequent acts of arson, both on and off the site. There is a plan in place
to limit the acts of arson to ensure sustainable burn practices on site. This
involves working with both land owners in the region and dwellers on the
property, and involves changing burning practices used for many years in the
area.
A
number of large programmes have been implemented to control erosion, largely
guided by the erosion control strategy document developed in conjunction with
the Ingula Advisory Committee: Conservation and approved by the Partnership
Steering Committee. The impact of historic erosion caused by years of
overgrazing and unsustainable stock management
is being reduced, largely assisted by the reduction of livestock on the
property, and minimising activities which could create new erosion or
exacerbate existing erosion.
Through
Eskom-related erosion projects, the likelihood for further erosion to occur on
site has been minimised through environmental awareness programmes, ensuring
people are aware of the impacts caused by off road driving and inappropriate
veld management, which has been achieved by reducing the number of roads on
which people can drive on. A three-phased programme, focusing on the
stabilisation of existing erosion features, the prevention of new erosion
points and the remediation of existing sites, has been established.
Phase
one and two have almost been completed and will be continued throughout the
construction programme. It is intended that phase three will be implemented as
part of a long term job creation process as soon as phase one and two have been
completed. Focus will soon be moving to
the third phase, and erosion control has already started in the vicinity of the
lower Bramhoek dam and in the immediate catchment of the Bedford Dam.
The Ingula
Partnership focused on Hamilberg School to ensure the school’s on-going
development. Infrastructure has been improved at the school through the
building of classrooms and accommodation for the teacher by the Eskom
Development Foundation. A number of educational lessons on the role of the
environment, provided by members of the Partnership have also been initiated.
The dedicated and caring teams on site have had several blanket and book
collections for the children, which have been supplied to the children.
Unfortunately, there
are still problems relating to the water supply, but these should be resolved
soon. The cancellation of the school transport programme by the Free State
Department of Education has led to a reduction in the numbers of pupils at the
school, and governance issues remain a challenge.
The Ingula
Partnership Steering Committee identified that social and socio-economic aspects
of the project required more focus and recommended the establishment of the
Ingula Advisory Committee: Social, which will deal with community-related
development into the future. It is hoped that this committee will further drive
improvements at the school and ensure a more positive environment for the staff
and pupils at the school.