AE01418V
A report on a basic heritage assessment for the proposed Eskom Mokalaka Substation and Powerline, Molopo Local Municipality, Northwest Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was appointed by Wandima Environmental Services to conduct a
Basic Heritage Assessment for the Eskom Mokalaka Substation and Powerline. This
is located in the Molopo Local Municipality, Northwest Province.
A basic assessment entails the establishment of a broad framework of the potential
heritage of an area. Three alternatives for the route were investigated.
The fieldwork undertaken revealed one site of cultural heritage significance. It has
to be realized however, that during a basic assessment a detailed survey is not
done and therefore this site only is an indication of what is to be expected. Such
sites should rather be avoided during development. If necessary it should be
mitigated during construction activities.
From a heritage perspective, it seems as if the preferred alternative is the best way
to go. This is due to no sites being identified here (as opposed to 1 on alternative
1). Although none was identified on alternative 3, it goes through an area which
may easily contain sites, but which was difficult to survey. It is therefore proposed
that once a final decision has been made and the pylon positions are known, a full
heritage impact assessment be done in order to determine the actual impact.
It should also 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 the development 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.) Accredited member of ASAPA Accredited member of SASCH & Zurethe Collins (BA), BA (Hons) Archaeology