AE01859V

A REPORT ON A CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL AREA ON A PORTION OF PORTION 93 OF THE FARM RONDEBOSCH 403 JS, MIDDELBURG, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

Purpose:

Archaetnos cc was requested by AdiEnvironmental CC to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the proposed development of a residential area on a portion of Portion 93 of the farm Rondebosch 403 JS. This is at Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province.

Project description:

The project comprises residential stands, an institutional stand, private open space and roads. The heritage study forms part of an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Methodology:

The methodology for the study includes a survey of literature and a field survey. The latter was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices and was aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of proposed development.

If required, the location/position of any site was determined by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS), while photographs were also taken where needed.  The survey was undertaken by doing a physical survey via off-road vehicle and on foot and covered as much as possible of the area to be studied. Certain factors, such as accessibility, density of vegetation, etc. may however influence the coverage.

All sites, objects, features and structures identified were documented according to the general minimum standards accepted by the archaeological profession. Co-ordinates of individual localities were determined by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The information was added to the description in order to facilitate the identification of each locality.

Public consultation:

General public consultation will be done by AdiEnvironmental. The various specialist reports will be utilized for this purpose.

Findings:

The survey of the indicated area was completed successfully. Two sites were identified.

The following is recommended:

  • Two sites of cultural heritage significance were identified but both are of negligible value. The report is thus seen as ample mitigation.
  • The development may therefore proceed, once the report has been approved by SAHRA.

 

  • It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. It is possible that some sites may only become known later on. Operating controls and monitoring should therefore be aimed at the possible unearthing of such features. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence.

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