A draft report on the impact the Gautrain might have on heritage sites, particularly in Pretoria, was released for public comment on Wednesday.
Nanette Hattingh of Bohlweki Environmental, the company conducting the environmental studies relating to the high speed commuter train project between Pretoria and Johannesburg and Johannesburg International Airport, said the public could comment on the draft until March 19.
The introduction to the report says it focuses on the Pretoria section of the Gautrain route — notably the stretch from Pretoria Station to Hatfield Station, as the line there would cut through parts of the city that are older than 60 years.
Properties and structures older then 60 years come under the protection of the National Heritage Resources Act. The city centre, Arcadia, Sunnyside, Muckleneuk and Hatfield all fall into this category and are all affected by the Gautrain’s route.
The report proposes a number of changes to the route so as to lessen the impact the train will have on heritage sites, but in general appears to give the project the green light as regards the Pretoria stretch of the line.
The report is available at www.gautraineia.co.za and at a number of public libraries in the province, for members of the public who wish to read the report and comment on it. – Sapa