AE01245P

A report on a heritage impact assessment for the proposed IFMSA road extension on
various portions of the farm Buffelsfontein 465 JQ, between Moonooi and Brits, Northwest Province

Summary

Archaetnos cc was appointed by Prescali Environmental Consulting (Pty) Ltd, to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the proposed extension of a road (running between IFMSA and the R556) over various portions of the farm Buffelsfontein 465 JQ, near Mooinooi/Modderspruit in the Northwest Province. The proposed road extension runs along an existing dirt track connecting IFMSA with the R556.

The area has been disturbed through some development including residential settlement, mining, power lines and agricultural activities (ploughing) in the past. The area is also utilized for cattle grazing in some sections, while informal residential dumping is also occurring. The existing dirt track has also impacted on the area. Very little original vegetation still exists, and most of the thorn trees (Bushveld vegetation) are small – indicative of disturbance and the cutting down of trees for firewood. Although portions contained fairly dense grass cover, sections were burnt down at the time of the assessment, making visibility easy. Some Late Iron Age features and sites (stone walled remains) were identified and recorded in the area, although these might not be directly impacted on by the proposed development. The report discusses the results of the assessment and background research on the archaeology and history of the area, and provides recommendations regarding mitigation measures that might have to be implemented.

If the recommendations put forward at the end of this document are implemented, then, from a Cultural Heritage point of view, there would be no objection to the continuation of the proposed development.

Report by

A.J. Pelser - Accredited member of ASAPA

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