The promises that the SKA (telescope project) would greatly benefit certain areas in the Northern Cape did not realise and the benefits associated with the project are instead being channelled to other parts of the world at the cost of the local residents.
Due to the required radio silence, which excludes all agricultural activities, large areas of productive pastureland have been withdrawn from the economy.
During today's budget vote debate on Science and Technology, it became evident that the Minister considers the SKA telescope project in the Northern Cape to be one of the Department's showpieces.
The FF Plus, however, pointed out that it is situated in the Karoo Highlands and Kareeberg municipal regions, which are but marginal agricultural areas even in good years. Amid the current drought, this jeopardises the survival of these communities.
The problem is that the SKA, with all the scientific knowledge that it generates, only created job opportunities for the people living in the area during its construction phase. The knowledge-based job opportunities related to the project are available only in university cities in South Africa and abroad.
The consequences are even worse for the natural environment. The water troughs that the farmers installed and maintained were the only source of water for large and small mammals and even reptiles. In the surrounding areas where troughs are no longer in use, one finds the remnants of the animals that died of thirst.
According to Dr Boshoff, communities also reported that they found the public participation process frustrating. The people who were supposed to provide the required information were simply not available and no follow-up work was done. The project also claimed more land from livestock farming than what was initially communicated.
In addition to the debate, the FF Plus addressed a question to the Minister about the environmental impact study that was conducted. We are awaiting his response.
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