AE01626V

A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed Moloto Road Upgrade, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Northwest ProvinceSummary

Archaetnos cc was requested by AECOM to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the proposed Moloto Road upgrade. The Moloto Road is also known as the R573. The upgrade is planned between Pretoria in the Gauteng Province, running through Mpumalanga and ending at Marble Hall in the Limpopo 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 in the area to be affected by the development. Since the upgrade of the road will be done within the existing road reserve, this is no surprise as this area has been disturbed to a large extent. A few were identified close thereto and are discussed briefly. The proposed development may therefore continue. Mitigation measures are proposed as a protocol during construction.
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