Heritage Cases

SiVEST was requested by the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) to investigate and report on the historical significance of 3 trees found on the centre median along Josiah Gumede Road between School/Meller Roads and Crompton Street. This area will be the location of a station that will form part of the proposed IRPTN Corridor 3 and the trees will therefore need to be removed. SiVEST has sent AMAFA the Basic Assessment Report as well as the Heritage Report conducted as part of the development (attached to this application). To date no comment has yet been received from AMAFA.The ETA has just completed the wall to wall Integrated Rapid Public Transportation Network (IRPTN) Plan, in response to the National Public Transport Agenda which proposes a fully functional integrated public transport network plan which incorporates a range of models. The IRPTN is designed to replace the existing transport system with a high quality, high frequency, integrated, scheduled service. As part of the IRPTN, various stations along the route have been planned. One of the stations, along Corridor 3, is proposed in Josiah Gumede Road in Pinetown. However there are 3 trees in the centre median which would need to be removed should the development go ahead. There has been public outcry regarding the trees and the significance thereof with some people stating that the trees should not be cut down as the are historically relevant and fall within the old market square in Pinetown. After consultation with Bernadet Pawandiwa, SiVEST was advised to submit a report detailing the significance of the trees and to obtain comment from AMAFA on the way forward and if the trees can be cut down.