AE01847V
A REPORT ON A BASIC HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED ESKOM WATERBERG 132KV POWER LINE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE
Archaetnos cc was requested by Texture Environmental Consultants to conduct a basic cultural heritage assessment for the proposed ESKOM Waterberg 132Kv power lines project. This is in the Limpopo Province.
The development forms part of a larger project, including substations and power lines. The southern section of the proposed power line route has been approved, and therefore only the most northern section, ending on the farm Goedetrouw, was investigated. It forms part of a Basic Assessment. Two alternative deviation routes were investigated.
A survey of the available literature was undertaken 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 two sites of cultural heritage significance were identified, both grave sites. Mitigation measures are therefore proposed.
The following is recommended:
- From a heritage perspective, there is no specific preference for any of the alternatives. Therefore anyone can be utilized.
- It is important though, that should alternative 1 be chosen, specifically to option on portion 10 of the farm Vianen, care should be taken not to damage the grave site (Site No. 1) which is fairly close by. This can be done by demarcating the site during construction.
- Site 1 should be fenced in and a management plan drafted for the preservation thereof.
- Site no.2 – graves – are far enough and will not be impacted on. No further action is necessary as it is fenced in and well maintained. It also is still in use.
- The proposed development may continue after implementation of the mitigation measures indicated.
- It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artefacts is always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, work on site immediate cease and a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence.
In this regard the following ‘Chance find Procedure’ should be followed:
- Upon finding any archaeological or historical material all work at the affected area must cease.
· The area should be demarcated in order to prevent any further work there until an investigation has been completed.
· An archaeologist should be contacted immediately to provide advice on the matter.
- Should it be a minor issue, the archaeologist will decide on future action. Depending on the nature of the find, it may include a site visit.
- SAHRA’s APM Unit may also be notified.
· If needed the necessary permit will be applied for with SAHRA. This will be done in conjunction with the appointed archaeologist.
· The removal of such archaeological material will be done by the archaeologist in lieu of the approval given by SAHRA, including any conditions stipulated by the latter.
· Work on site will only continue after the archaeologist/ SAHRA has agreed to such a matter.
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.