Workshops underway to inform communities of land acquisition for SKA construction
Members of the Brandvlei community in the Northern Cape packed out the hall where the Department of Science and Technology (DST) was hosting a workshop on the proposed Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Areas Regulations.
The information-sharing workshops are being held until 19 May in the towns of Brandvlei, Vanwyksvlei, Carnarvon and Williston. The aim is to inform the affected communities of Minister Naledi Pandor's intention to issue the Regulations.
Community members are afforded an opportunity to raise concerns they may have.
The Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act requires the Minister to declare certain parts of the Karoo as "core" and "central" astronomy advantage areas.
In terms of South Africa's commitment to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), additional land must be acquired in the Karoo to ensure that the MeerKAT/SKA telescopes are protected from harmful radio frequency interference. This includes the acquisition of 36 farm portions and servitudes for the three SKA spiral arms, which will extend up to 150 km from the core site.
In 2010 Minister Pandor declared certain areas around the Karoo as Core Astronomy Advantage Areas and in 2014 certain areas were declared as Central Astronomy Advantage Areas.
The Regulations, which restrict the use of certain radio frequency spectra and certain activities in the Karoo, give details of financial compensation procedures for those affected.
Minister Pandor has since extended the period for public consultation on the proposed Regulations by 60 days.
This gives interested parties until 20 June to make written representations on or objections to the proposed Regulations. Notice 453 – pertaining to the intention to make Regulations on the protection of the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Areas – was published in Government Gazette No. 39939 on 20 April.
SKA Phase 1 includes 64 MeerKAT antennas and the construction of an additional 133 antennas; these will commence in 2018 and be completed by 2023.
