Heritage Cases

The proposed development is for a 200m long and 4m wide causeway crossing the White Umfolozi River in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The causeway forms part a broader plan to create linked accessibility to the proposed Babanango Game Reserve, which will be declared a nationally protected nature reserve consisting of various eco-lodges and camps, and the reintroduction of wildlife to the area, including the ‘big five’. The proposed causeway will provide quick, easy and safe access between the northern and southern sections of the proposed Babanango Game Reserve once in operation. The causeway will replace an existing, derelict and unsafe causeway (as determined by Engineers) further downstream that poses a significant hazard when crossing.On both the northern and southern sections of the proposed causeway there are existing dirt tracks which will be lengthened to connect to the proposed causeway itself. An assessment (including site visit) by an accredited Heritage Specialist of the area on either side of the River found no visible heritage sites and the disturbed and transformed nature of the surrounding area where the extension of the tracks will take place indicate a very low possibility of finding intact heritage sites in the area of development. It was therefore recommended by the Heritage Specialist that exemption from undertaking a Phase 1 HIA be applied for the White Umfolozi Causeway Crossing. IDM Consultants are thus applying for an exemption application from undertaking a Phase 1 HIA.