May 2020

As the Northern Cape prepares itself for the spread of COVID-19, it is becoming increasingly apparent that communities need the collective efforts of public and private institutions to prevent and limit the impact of the pandemic.  Working to support the Namakwa District Office of the Northern Cape: Department of Health and the Department of Social Development, Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm have directed Economic Development funding to the most essential services including support for the district health services, community food relief and other critical needs.

“It has been important to prioritise the most vulnerable community members as well as the health services that will help to protect both our community members and the greater Hantam Municipal area, which includes the local clinic and the hospitals that have been earmarked to treat COVID-19 patients and the district’s quarantine facility,” explained Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm.

Through the Department of Social Development, the food parcels have been distributed in the Loeriesfontein community to the most vulnerable community members, as determined by protocols.

The Loeriesfontein Community Health Centre, which is a quarantine site for those who need to self-isolate and cannot do so at home, has received much needed Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), in addition to the Loeriesfontein PHC Clinic and Abraham Esau Hospital in Calvinia, which is a designated institution to treat COVID-19 patients in the Hantam Municipality area.

“We received a list of required medical PPE from the Namakwa District Office and are pleased to confirm that delivery is currently in progress,” added Vanessa Fredericks.

The wind farms also responded to a request to provide an infra-red thermometer, PPE gear and hand sanitizers to assist with screening at roadblocks and community screening interventions. These interventions are in collaboration with the Northern Cape Department of Health.  Additionally the wind farms have also funded a hot water geyser at the Loeriesfontein CHC, as requested by the Hantam Municipality.

PPE gear includes surgical and respiratory masks; disposable gowns, aprons, coveralls; gloves; eye protection (face shield); handgun thermometers; boot covers; gum boots; electrostatic disinfectant spray guns; hand sanitizers, amongst other items.