OHV004

Site OHV4 – Colonial Period Structure (Reservoir)
Site OVH4 (S33°01’22.3”; E27°54’22.5”) is characterized by a Colonial Period reservoir, situated just south of the alignment of informal residences to the north-west of the study site. The reservoir pre-dates 60 years of age and is formally protected by the NHRA 1999, with a preliminary post-1940’s date assigned thereto. The reservoir has been in disuse for many a decade. Associated with the reservoir (as early infrastructural development) are a number of storm water channel portions, in cases outlined with stone, in other places overlain with shingle and cement reinforcements or upgrades and at the entrance to the study site partly covered with tarmac. A number of visible manholes evidences early sub-surface infrastructure, some of these may be in situ context but others may be the result of dumping and rubble landfill.

o RECOMMENDATIONS: Site OHV4, a Colonial Period reservoir (structure), pre-dates 60 years of age; the site is thus formally protected under the NHRA 1999, implying an automatic SAHRA High Significance and a Grade 2 Provincial Field Rating. The site is however ascribed a low Colonial Period architectural significance – conservation of the reservoir (and related infrastructural remains) will not further the current understanding of the establishment or architectural styles of early East London. It is recommended that the reservoir (and related infrastructural remains) be destroyed in lieu of the development. Destruction of the reservoir is subject to an ECPHRA Built Environment destruction permit, to be applied for by the developer. Destruction of related infrastructural remains is not subject to ECPHRA application or approval.