Heritage Cases

Isi-Xwiba Consulting have been appointed as independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) by the owner and developer, Lowmar (Pty) Ltd, to apply for the Environmental Authorization (EA), including a Basic Assessment Report (BAR) and Environmental Management Plan (EMPr) to the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) for the Lowlands Hydropower and Distribution, Remainder of Portion 15 (Lowlands) of the Farm Kat Kop 16, near Cradock, Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape development. The proposed development is situated at general development co-ordinate S31°54’20.6”; E25°29’50.9” [1:50,000 Map Ref – 3125CD]. The developer proposes to construct a new section of earth canal (±230m) linking into the existing Knutsford Irrigation Scheme canal at an existing maintenance sluice and return surplus water into the Great Fish River via a 1,900mm diameter pipe / hydro-plant to generate ±306kW power. Construction of the hydro-plant will include excavation of the river embankment, placement of the pipe and hydro-plant, associated with concrete works, back-filling of excavated material and protection of the ‘discharge to river’ return area and the embankment. An overhead powerline (±5.5km) will be constructed to distribute <275kV to five (5) existing transformer points on the property. Operation will require the opening of two (2) existing sluice gates at the Knutsford Irrigation Scheme canal for a distance of ±1.8km, where the new section of canal will be constructed to lead water to the hydro-plant.