AE01752V

A REPORT ON A WALK DOWN ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF 132KV DISTRIBUTION LINES FROM FERRUM SUBSTATION TO THE PROPOSED NEW SEKGAME SWITCHING STATION, GAMAGARA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

Archaetnos cc was requested by Landscape Dynamics to conduct a walk down heritage impact assessment for ESKOM, related to the proposed construction of 132KV distribution lines from Ferrum substation to the proposed new Sekgame Switching Station. This is close to the town of Kathu within the Gamagara Local Municipality, Northern Cape 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 sites of cultural heritage significance were identified. Three Stone Age sites, identified by the archaeologist who did the initial HIA study, were visited. None of these are believed to be sites, due to it containing a very limited number of artefacts. Another stone tool was identified at another location along the surveyed route, indicating that stone tools may be found almost anywhere on the landscape. This however does not necessarily constitute sites.

 

Thus the impact of the development on these finds are negligent. The proposed development may therefore continue.

 

It should be noted however that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artefacts is always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when the development commences further that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate and that the assessment 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.

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