Heritage Cases

Phase 2 Relocation process The above case has reference. The proposed site of the Camden Ash Disposal Facility showed surface indications during a survey of 33 graves. These were indicated by stone cairns and in some cases possible headstones. As a result an application for a permit for relocation was logged with SAHRA and the subsequent permit (2121) was received on 4 November 2015, which made provision for the relocation of 50 graves. During November 2015 excavations were initiated on site. As part of the exhumation process, exploratory trenches were excavated across the burial areas to determine the possible occurrence of unmarked graves within the vicinity of the marked graves. As a result of these investigative trenches being dug a total 45 graves (33 known and 12 unmarked graves) were relocated from the Camden site. Since unmarked graves now constituted over 36% of the total graves uncovered it is highly possible that further unmarked graves could be encountered during the earthmoving phase of the project. The area has undergone severe alteration in the past as a result of agricultural activities and it is not unlikely that further graves could be found where no surface indicators are present. Taking the size of the proposed development into account and the areas to be disturbed it is possible that more than the 5 contingency graves could be encountered. It is therefore requested that the new permit make provision for up to 100 graves to be relocated under it. All possible effort was made to identify any further surface indicators and none were found. It would be detrimental to the development schedule if more than 5 graves were to be discovered and the permit application was to hold up the development.