The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) would like to thank you for submitting the Final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Proposed Gas to Power via Powership Project at the Port of Richards Bay, uMhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Having reviewed the EIA SAHRA is pleased to note that the concerns previously highlighted in the comment on the Draft EIA in November 2022 and in subsequent response letters (November and December 2022) have now been considered. Maritime heritage has been addressed and mitigation measures have been recommended. Sections 7.5.6 and 7.5.10 make reference to maritime heritage and include measures to be undertaken during the proposed project. Sections 7.3.10 and 7.7.20 of the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) have also incorporated the requested measures.
SAHRA supports these measures and emphasises that the recommendations set out in these sections must be adhered to should any cultural heritage come to light.
SAHRA would like to reiterate, that according to section 35(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act, if any heritage resource is discovered it must be reported to SAHRA immediately. Heritage resources that might be applicable in this case, include, but are not limited to; archaeological fossils, palaeontological fossils, and shipwreck material older than 60 years. Any new discoveries or updated data is a valuable resource in adding to our knowledge of South Africa’s maritime history.
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