Heritage Cases

The proposed sand mining area is located within the Mpuphisi River which is the divide between ward 5 and ward 18 of the Nongoma Local Municipality, Zululand District. The project area is located 16km north east of Nongoma town, between the villages of KwaNcongoma and Nzondane. The proposed mining area covers an area of 4.9 hectares. As part of the Mandlakazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, bulk pipeline installation requires bedding material to be installed in pipeline trenches beneath laid pipe, so as to act as a protective layer, promote drainage, and prevent waterlogging within the trench. Suitable well graded and compacted bedding is required beneath, around and above the pipe. The proposed bedding material has been tested as part of the Geotechnical Investigation and found to be suitable for its intended purpose. Test results have also been verified by the cathodic protection specialist as suitable. The proposed mining site therefor shows evidence of sand that is free of clay, thus yielding material that is suitable for pipe bedding. Zululand District Municipality has identified the study site as having suitable sand material in this regard. The proposed sand mining will entail mechanical excavation by excavator. The process will involve the follow activities, as required: • Temporary diversion of the Mpuphusi River within the proposed mining area in order to access alluvial deposits, when river is flow. • Mechanical excavation of river sand by excavator and stockpiling in a designated area on the river bank. • On site screening of stockpiled river sand to desired diameter. • Remaining larger sand particles, stone and pebbles will be returned to the river channel. • Loading of haulage truck by tractor-loaded backhoe or excavator. • Transportation of screened material to required end point. A campsite and stockpile area is proposed on the eastern banks of the Mpuphusi River, so as to allow for easy access to the D1815 Road and the extended road network.