Electricity Distribution at Bongweni Village, Pedi, Nqgushwa Local Municipality

MBSA consultants appointed Sinda Africa to conduct a Environmental Management Plan for the extension of the distribution of electricity for 6 households of Bongweni Village. This document aims to provide a framework for managing environmental impacts associated with the proposed activity. The EMP also identifies and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of key role-players in the implementation of the specific requirements of the EMP as well as in monitoring, reporting, auditing and review requirements, which are components of the construction phase environmental management system.
Bongweni Village is located 44.3km from King Williams Town and 14.4km from Pedi, under the jurisdiction of the Nqgushwa Local Municipality. The proposed electrical distribution is situated within a human settlement setup, and it is an extension of the already existing power lines. From site assessment, a graveyard was identified in the vicinity of the proposed area of the work, however there will be no interaction with these heritage sites. The area of the proposed development is characterised by short vegetation (grass) and thorny acacia trees and bushes. The spatial distribution of the vegetation is shown at the end of this document in the annexure section. The settlements in the area of interest are built on foothills of gentle slopes. Evidence of minor erosion was noted. From the assessment, Bongweni Village is not regarded as an environmentally sensitive area, thus minimal interaction with the environment. Therefore, proposed development will not be hindered