Improving Community Services and Support

Working with local stakeholders, the Hantam Municipality and the Northern Cape Office of the Premier, the wind farms have commenced the process of supporting Loeriesfontein residents to  receive improved access to government services.   The Loeriesfontein and Khobab wind farms have agreed, in principle, with the Northern Cape Office of the Premier to establish a Thusong Centre in Loeriesfontein, which will  help hundreds of community members to access government services, within the town.

“We are excited to participate and partner with the Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms and look forward to a lengthy relationship in order to bring services to the doorsteps of remote communities like Loeriesfontein,” said Ryan van Schalkwyk from the Premier Office.

As part of this collaboration, office space is being provided at the Loeriesfontein Business Hub, which will serve as a crucial operational hub for the efficient delivery of services to the community, including healthcare, social development, Home Affairs, labour, SASSA, and agricultural services. 

The wind farms will rebrand the business hub into a Thusong Centre in 2024.  

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to the development of the Loeriesfontein community. By working together with local authorities and government departments, we are facilitating the creation of a better future for all residents,” said Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms.

The wind farms will cover all monthly utility costs, such as water services, waste removal, rates and taxes, as well as insurance premiums, ensuring that the Thusong Service Centre can focus its resources on providing essential services to the community. Infrastructure maintenance and renovations will also be taken care of, ensuring that the facility remains in excellent condition.

To formalise this partnership and ensure its effectiveness, an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) will be signed between Loeriesfontein Wind Farm, Khobab Wind Farm, and the Northern Cape Office of the Premier. Subsequently, the Office of the Premier will establish Service Level Agreements with relevant Government Departments such as the Department of Social Development, SASSA, Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, Agriculture, and Health. These agreements will serve as addendums to the MOU.