Archaeological and Heritage Impact Assessment

Title : No Go River Clearing Project. Proposal to manage the clearing of the channel of the No Go River passing through the town of to prevent flooding.

Author of this report: Prof H.J. Deacon, Consulting Archaeologist and Heritage Practitioner, 49 Van Riebeeck Street, 7600. Tel/Fax 021 887 1540, Cell 082 682 7300, Email: [email protected]

Commissioned by Cape Lowlands Environmental Services. Mr M Duckitt (Contact person) and Mr N Hanekom (Environmental Assessment Practitioner), PO Box 70, Darling 7345. Tel: 022 492 3435, Fax: 022 492 3435, Cell: 076 851 0476.Email: [email protected]

Owner & Developer Swartland ‘B’ Municipality, Private Bag X52, Malmesbury 7299. Contact person: Mr Alwyn Zaayman, Tel: 022 487 9400, Fax: 022 487 9440. Email: [email protected]

Local Authority Swartland Municipality, Private Bag X52, Malmesbury 7299. Contact person: Mr Alwyn Zaayman, Tel: 022 487 9400, Fax: 022 487 9440.

Date: 17 December 2008

Fig. 1. The No Go River flows northwards through the middle of the town of Moorreesburg. The arrows mark the section of the river that needs to be kept open to prevent flooding (from GPS 184020.387 & 330936.211 to 183916.404 & 330709.525, 1:50 000 sheet 3318 BA).

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Executive Summary

A survey of the course of the No Go River through the town of Moorreesburg was undertaken to assess any possible impacts that the clearing of silt and vegetation to facilitate drainage may have on cultural resources. The clearing operations necessary to prevent flooding will not pose a threat to heritage, archaeological or palaeontological resources. None are evident in proximity to the channel.

Background Information

The No Go River (Figs. 1 & 2) flowing through the town of Moorreesburg is subject to periodic flooding resulting in damage to property. The flooding requires a program to ensure adequate drainage along the river channel. Siltation of the bed and encroachment of vegetation that cause blockages along the channel are recurrent threats and repeated clearing is necessary. This report is part of the assessment of the status quo and contributes to advising via an EMP, the principles for ongoing management and maintenance as may be required.

Archaeological and Palaeontological Background

No major archaeological or palaeontological sites are known in close proximity to the course of the river through the town.

Description of the property

This is an urban environment surrounded by farmland.

Methodology

The exposures and surface disturbances along the channel were examined for archaeological and palaeontological materials and built structures.

Observations and Results

The course of the river is locally choked by vegetation and silt and the banks degraded. The need for sound ecological management of the riverine strip is very evident. No archaeological or palaeontological materials were observed in exposures. There are no built structures that will be impacted by cleaning the bed of the river.

Sources of Risk and Statement of Significance

It is unlikely that development will disturb any buried materials and the risks are considered low. The significance is rated as low. 3

Recommended Mitigations

There are no specific recommendations

Further it is recommended that should any excavations by chance uncover buried palaeonological or archaeological materials including human remains that Heritage is notified (Mr N Wiltshire, Heritage Resource Management Services, HWC, Private Bag X9067, 8000, Tel:021 483 9743, Fax:021 483 9842, [email protected]). Features like burials for example can occur in unpredictable locations.

Figure 2. Expanded view of Fig. 1. 4

Figure 3. Storm water drain emptying into the silted course of the No Go River in the town of Moorreesburg.

Figure 4. Silt and vegetation blocking the course of the river on the north side of town where new plots are being laid out.