AE01604V
A report on a walk-down cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed construction of the Eskom Delmas North 44/11kv Substation and 44kv Power Lines within the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, close to Delmas, Mpumalanga ProvinceSummary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Landscape Dynamics to conduct a walk-down cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the proposed construction of the ESKOM Delmas North 44/11 kV substation and 44 kV power lines within the Victor Khanye Local Municipality. This is close to Delmas in the Mpumalanga Province.
A survey of the available literature was undertaken in order to obtain background information regarding the area. This was followed by the field survey which was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices, aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of the proposed development.
During the survey no site of cultural heritage significance was located. A large section of the surveyed area however seems to be disturbed to a large extent and therefore finding nothing is no surprise. Two grave yards were however identified nearby, but these will not be impacted on. The proposed development may therefore continue.
Care should nevertheless be taken as heritage features are frequently not found due to environmental and other factors having an effect on the survey. It should also be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Therefore, when the development commences and any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist should be called in to investigate and that the HIA be amended if necessary.
It is also important to take cognizance that it is the client’s responsibility to do the submission of this report via the SAHRIS System on the SAHRA website. No work on site may commence before receiving the necessary comments from SAHRA.
Report by
Prof. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.) Accredited member of ASAPA Accredited member of SASCH