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Thank you for submitting the above application to SAHRA for review.
SAHRA finds the following as pivotal to the approval, namely, that- 'The structures will be located at a reasonably safe distance from the sensitive site'. There is no defined distance given for the proposed location of the structure.
Via audio and visual technology the visitor will be able to discover the caves with no physical presence inside the sensitive site. This is unconditionally supported.
It was also proposed that both pavilions be made of concrete with local aggregate but constructed on a raft foundation where necessary to eliminate all need to dig deep excavations for foundations.
Proposal Description from Applicant: This aspect of the project consists of protecting two archaeologically sensitive caves: the Equus Cave and the Black Earth Cave. The structures will be located at a reasonably safe distance from the sensitive site. Via audio and visual technology the visitor will be able to discover the caves with no physical presence inside the sensitive site. It was also proposed that both pavilions be made of concrete with local aggregate but constructed on a raft foundation where necessary to eliminate all need to dig deep excavations for foundations. Steel has been eliminated due to the theft and vandalism commonly occurring in the entire site precinct.
The following Documents were reviewed:
Plan Drawing:DWG No. 265_EQ-C_TD-100
Section Drawing: DWG No. 265_EQ-C_TD-200
Screen Wall Detail: DWG No. 265_EQ-C_TD-600
The South African Heritage Resources Agency reviewed all documentation and deemed the following:
The structures need to be located at a reasonably safe distance from the sensitive site. The loading and the scale of the overall intervention needs to be such that there is no dramatic change done to the current condition of the site. The use of materials such as concrete raised concerns of how the onsite impacts such as cut and fill as well as disposal of materials will be mitigated on site during construction. It is therefore imperative that before construction commences a detailed construction management plan be submitted to SAHRA addressing said concerns.
Due to the topography and elevation on this particular section of the site, SAHRA is of the opinion that some of the materials to be disposed of due to earthworks should be reflected on the construction management plan and monitored accordingly so that no undue damage is incurred on the heritage resource. To this end the Mitigation Strategy concerning heritage structures/ artefacts proposed by the applicant need to be followed and a construction management plan needs to be submitted to SAHRA prior to all work being carried out. Once construction is completed a closing report is requested in order to have the permit requirements and the file for the site in order.
4. All waste material and left over equipment will be removed from the site once the construction has been completed, and the site will be left in the manner it was found (save for the new access ramp).
9. Should any objects of archaeological or palaeontological remains be found during construction activities, work must immediately stop in that area and the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be informed. The ECO must inform the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and contact the responsible archaeologist and/or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the find, to assess the importance and rescue them if necessary (with the relevant SAHRA permit). No work may be resumed in this area without the permission from the ECO and SAHRA.