Saldanha Bay Local Municipality
South Africa
West Coast District Municipality
Western Cape
Sector
Construction & Materials
Tourism & Leisure
The answer is blowing in the wind
In May, the town of Darling in the West Coast District Municipality became home to South Africa's first wind energy farm.
The R75-million project is the first of its kind in the country to generate electricity from wind power on a commercial basis. In light of South Africa's recent electricity concerns, the global stance on alternative energy production and the forecast success of the project, it could be the first of many.
The wind farm has four turbines and can supply 5.2-megawatts of electricty, all of which will be sold to the City of Cape Town as part of a long-term power purchase agreement. The vast South African coastline, and especially the rugged, wind-battered part of it along the west coast, presents ample opportunity for similar projects to be set up. Investors will be watching the farm in Darling for early signs of success, and when they see them, the WCDM expects a line at the door asking for more.
The Darling project was developed by a group consisting of private developers that included an independent power producer in Darling, Darlipp, the Central Energy Fund and the Development Bank of South Africa. A portion of the funding was provided by the Danish International Development Assistance programme of the Danish government.
For more information on the project contact Avril Hein at WCDM on +27 22 433 8530 or email amhein@wcdm.co.za
Niche cultural tourism in Saldanha
The Saldanha Bay Cultural Village seeks to promote and market the region, and in particular the original fishermen's cottages as an accommodation alternative in the region. These cottages celebrate the history and culture of the fishing community and are a worthy addition to the existing cultural displays around Saldanha Bay.
Investment sought
The financial plan for the development of the self-catering accommodation faciliites calls for significant investment to procure the resources and services necessary to make the cottages tourist-ready. The municipality has requested funding from the District budget but also calls for interested developers to consider investing in the venture. The self-catering cottages will provide an alternative to the existing upmarket options in the area, and will surely prove popular in the near future, close as they are to the proposed development site of the Saldanha waterfront area.
Tourist destination
The area is a popular tourist destination already, with a number of attractions drawing tourists in their numbers in season. A cultural tour of Saldanha Bay includes the Hoedjies Bay Museum, hiking and walking trails, irresistable west coast cuisine and that indescribable west coast feel that the
wind blows in off the sea.
Economic development
The development of the Cultural Village will further boost tourism in the region, which will have the knock-on effect of creating wealth and opportunity in the communities both for ecomonic development and job creation.
For more information:
Contact: Mr Avril Hein
Tel: +27 22 433 8530
Email: amhein@wcdm.co.za
