Case Decision - 200103

Eskom has submitted an application in terms of section 38(1) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA) to reroute existing lines for a solar plant on the the Farm known as Haakdoorndrif 374KQ, (Coetzee Boerdery), Thabazimbi in Polokwane. 
This private MV line project is a reroute of existing power lines along existing roads. The proposed development is located in an area of moderate palaeontological sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map.
Final Decision
As the proposed line will be located in a disturbed area, is unlikely that in-situ heritage resources will be impacted by the proposed powerline. As such, no further assessment of the impact to heritage resources is required as per section 38(2)a of the NHRA.
The applicant is advised of the following:

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 Development Applications Unit (Natasha Higgitt 021 202 8660) must be alerted as per section 35(3) of the NHRA. Non-compliance with this section of the NHRA is an offense in terms of section 51(1)e of the NHRA and item 5 of the Schedule;
If unmarked human burials are uncovered, the SAHRA DAU (Natasha Higgitt 021 202 8660), must be alerted immediately as per section 36(6) of the NHRA. Non-compliance with this section of the NHRA is an offense in terms of section 51(1)e of the NHRA and item 5 of the Schedule;
See section 51(1) of the NHRA regarding offenses;
If heritage resources are uncovered during the course of the development, a professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contracted as soon as possible to inspect the heritage resource. 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.