ELECTRICITY TRANSFORMERS UPGRADE IN QUTUBENI VILLAGE LOCATED IN EMALAHLENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

MBSA consultants appointed Sinda Africa to conduct an Environmental Management Plan for the upgrade of electricity transformers within households in the Qutubeni Village. MBSA consultants proposes to upgrade 1 X 64kVA transformer on already existing power grid. This document aims to provide a framework for managing environmental impacts associated with the proposed activity. This report also identifies and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of key role-players in the implementation of the specific requirements of the Environmental Management Planning, as well as in monitoring, reporting, auditing and review requirements, which are components of the construction phase environmental management system.
Qutubeni village is located 20 km from Lady Frere Town which is now known as Cacadu, under the jurisdiction of the eMalahleni Local Municipality. The proposed electrical upgrades are in a human settlement rural setup, and it is an extension of the already existing power lines. The proposed upgrades are to be done at [31°47'18.68"S, 27°21'32.43"E] for the 64kVA. From onsite assessment, no graves were identified in the vicinity of the proposed area of the work. The area of the proposed development is characterised by short, dry vegetation (grass) and thorny acacia trees and bushes. The spatial distribution of the vegetation is shown at the end of this document in the annexure section. The settlements in this are built on foothills of gentle slopes. Evidence of heavy erosion was noted. From the assessment, Qutubeni village is not regarded as an environmentally sensitive area, thus the proposed work has minimal interaction with the environment. The proposed development must not be hindered by environmental concerns.