Agriculture needs predictability in power cuts
23 February 2006
I have been inundated with calls from irate farmers across the province who
are angry at the constant power failures, which have virtually grounded
agricultural activities to a standstill.
In all my interaction with farmers earlier on, there were understanding of
the problem and a willingness from the farming community to assist and to
co-operate. The farmers depended on a certain level of predictability in the
load shedding this did not happen. Eskom informed organised agriculture earlier
this year that more planned power cuts are on the cards and was in a process of
liaising with organised agriculture to determine times when it would be most
suitable for farming operations.
Again an urgent meeting was convened on 20 February 2006 between officials
of the Department of Agriculture, Local Government, Eskom and organised
agriculture to iron out the problems. Eskom (Western Cape) reaffirmed its
commitment that it will engage with organised agriculture on planned cuts and
will make the dates and times of cuts available to Agri Western Cape as well as
on its website. Once again the farmers were willing to co-operate with the
"planned" cuts.
However, and much to the dismay of farmers, farmer associations and
organised agriculture, the power cuts continued well over established and
agreed upon times with areas such as the Koue-Bokkeveld without electricity
yesterday and today. This is unacceptable.
I have a concern that the effects will affect those directly and indirectly
dependent on agriculture. As systems are down, wages can in some instance not
be paid which will have an economic impact on some of the smaller towns. I have
already been informed that one farmer in Phillipi had to dump his whole supply
of vegetables to up-market stores as his coolers were down. In large parts of
the province farming operations have now been halted as irrigation pumps stand
the risk of burn-out due to inconsistency in the power supply. Our wine
industry will feel the brunt of the power cuts in years to come as fermentation
processes have been interrupted. Fruit needs to be stored at certain
temperatures, to be of export quality and indeed to be exported, this could not
happen.
Once again an appeal is made to Eskom to adhere to the agreed upon times for
power cuts. There is an understanding and appreciation for the enormity of the
problem but unco-ordinated and one-sided decisions which do not take into
account the implications for that region will have dire results.
Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Tel: (021) 483 4700
Cell: 084 604 6701
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
23 February 2006
