Case Decision - 192538

Final Comment
The SAHRA Archaeological, Palaeontological and Meteorites (APM) Unit has no objection to the development and supports the recommendations of the specialists as referred to above. The recommendations of the specialists and the following conditions apply to the development and must be included in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr):

Corridor Option 3 is not supported due to the proximity to the heritage landscape between Gamsberg and Namiesberg, and the significant Koa River PalaeoValley;
A walk down of the final route alignment and infrastructure locations must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist before construction commences. A report detailing the results of the walk down must be submitted to SAHRA for comment prior to the construction phase commencing. No construction can occur without comments from SAHRA in this regard;
The Final EIA and appendices must be submitted to the SAHRIS application when submitted to the Competent Authority;
If any evidence of archaeological sites or remains (e.g. remnants of stone-made structures, indigenous ceramics, bones, stone artefacts, ostrich eggshell fragments, charcoal and ash concentrations), fossils or other categories of heritage resources are found during the proposed development, SAHRA APM Unit (Natasha Higgitt/Phillip Hine 021 462 5402) must be alerted. If unmarked human burials are uncovered, the SAHRA Burial Grounds and Graves (BGG) Unit (Thingahangwi Tshivhase/Mimi Seetelo 012 320 8490), must be alerted immediately. A professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contracted as soon as possible to inspect the findings. If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance, a Phase 2 rescue operation may be required subject to permits issued by SAHRA.
Should the project be granted Environmental Authorisation, SAHRA must be notified and all relevant documents submitted to the case file.