Heritage Cases

The Matatiele Local Municipality has proposed the construction of the Lagrange Pedestrian Bridge, located within Ward 8 of the Matatiele Local Municipality, Alfred Nzo District. Before construction of the pedestrian bridge may commence, an environmental authorisation is required from the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EDEAT), in compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2014. In order to obtain this authorisation a Basic Assessment is currently being undertaken by Enviroedge cc. The project is located in ward 8 near the villages of Nkosane and Matewu, and will provide a formal pedestrian bridge crossing over the Kinira River. The project involves the construction of a formal pedestrian bridge measuring approximately 57 metres long by 3.2 metres wide. The existing bridge has collapsed and is in a state of disrepair. The proposed new bridge will replace the old structure and will comprise a combination of timber and steel material. The project aims to allow local residents to have improved, formalised access to their homes, schools, shops and the extended road network. The proposed pedestrian bridge will replace the old rudimentary collapsed structure. The old bridge remains (timber) will be decommissioned and the new bridge structure will be located within the same location and footprint. Clearing of some shrubs and grasses will be required to accommodate the larger footprint. It is not anticipated that tree clearing will be required. Foundations for the bridge structure will be located outside of the riverway, thereby, impeding or diverting the flow of the watercourse should not be required. The bridge location can be found at 30°12'44.79"S 28°42'21.92"E.