AE01149
A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed Middelburg eastern bypass route, Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Wandima Environmental Consultants to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the proposed Middelburg Eastern bypass in the Mpumalanga Province. The Middelburg Eastern Bypass consists of two sections. Section 1 will connect the P154-4 road to Belfast with the R555 to Stoffberg and Section 2 will connect the R555 to Stoffberg with the N11 to Groblersdal.
The client indicated the areas where the proposed development is to take place and the survey was confined to this area. A survey of the available literature was also undertaken in order to obtain background information regarding the area.
During the survey two sites of cultural heritage significance were located in the indicated areas. One of these is of high cultural significance and the other of medium cultural significance. However it may be possible to prevent direct impact on both and this is recommended. Should it not be possible, both should be mitigated.
The proposed development may only continue after proper implementation of the mitigation measures recommended. It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when work on site commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate.
Report by
Dr. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.) & A.J. Pelser