AE01643V
A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed widening and upgrade of Beyers Naude Avenue (K31) in the municipal areas of Mogale City and city of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Hydro-Science to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the proposed widening and upgrade of Beyers Naudè Avenue (K31). The location of the section earmarked for the development is in the municipal areas of Mogale City and the City of Johannesburg in the Gauteng 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. 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