Case Decision - 195584

Interim Comment
The comments provided in SAHRIS Case ID 10622 (https://sahris.sahra.org.za/cases/hia-study-proposed-construction-visito...) and 13473 (https://sahris.sahra.org.za/cases/s24g-sanparks-management-offices-mapun...) have reference.
SAHRA requested the following information to be provided as part of the HIA for both previous cases:
• A Palaeontological Impact Assessment (PIA) inclusive of a field assessment must be conducted for the proposed development;
• A Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) must be conducted on the proposed development, inclusive of photo montages showing the viewshed of the proposed developments within the park;
• Motivation by means of a tourism study for the proposed dormitories, camping areas and visitor orientation centres must be supplied and discussed in the context of the HIA;
• Proof of consultation with stakeholders such as affected communities, the World Heritage Unit at DEA, land claimants and other identified Interested and Affected Parties (I & APs).
This information has not been provided as part of the HIA and therefore SAHRA cannot provide any further comments at this stage.SAHRA requests clarity on the applications that are being undertaken. In a meeting held with SAN Parks on the 14 February 2018, it was decided that three separate applications be submitted to SAHRA to ensure that each proposed development may be processed correctly. This was then communicated to and discussed with SAN Parks in a Vele EMC HBsC meeting held on the 27 February 2018 and 28 August 2018.A Section 24G Rectification application for the Office Complex is currently on record with SAHRA as SAHRIS Case ID 13473. The case is awaiting further information in order for comments to be issued. Should this case no longer be relevant, a letter stating this must be submitted to the case in order for the application to be closed. If this applicant is still open, SAHRA awaits the requested information as provided in the Interim Comment issued on the 18/03/2019 including the S24G documents in order for an informed comment to be provided.The dormitories are part of a NHRA section 38(8) application as part of an Environmental Authorisation Application for the dormitories. This application must include all of the EIA documents in order to make an informed decision, along with the requested information in comments provided on SAHRIS case ID 10622.The staff housing, ablution block and orientation centres would require permit applications in terms of section 27(18) of the NHRA. In terms of section 38(7), SAHRA may request that an HIA be conducted as part of the permit application to inform the decision-making process.Each of these applications require specific HIAs to be conducted that can be used for decision and commenting procedures in terms of NEMA and the NHRA.SAHRA awaits clarity as requested above before further comments are issued.