All systems go at Noupoort Wind Farm
Mzwandile Toto, district mayor of Umsobumvo Municipality, did the honours for the town of Noupoort, historically known for its railway activity in the eastern Karoo region.
“We are honoured to be welcomed by the people of Noupoort who have been incredibly supportive of our project during its construction. It is now our chance to give back to the community during our 20-year operational period, where we will be investing through our economic development programmes,” said Dennis Solomon, plant manager for Noupoort Wind Farm.
Commercial activity in town was previously heavily dependent on the railway, which has largely dwindled due to the decline in rail activity. This makes the socio economic and enterprise development initiatives even more relevant to the local community of Noupoort than where wind energy projects are situated close to prosperous regions.
“We have a focus on community investment throughout all of our projects to help create thriving and empowered communities including education, skills development, employment and enterprise, environment and energy investment,” said Chris Antonopoulos, CEO of Lekela Power, the majority shareholder of the project.
Noupoort Wind Farm is currently implementing various economic development projects, which include capacity building for existing and prospective entrepreneurs; local maths and science development programmes that incorporate science and computer labs as well as local wi-fi infrastructure.
The Noupoort Community Trust, which owns a 5% share in wind farm, was established to carry out public benefit activities in the local community. It has been equally funded by the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Noupoort Wind Farm Shareholder. A local community trustee has already been appointed.