K60 scoping report available for viewing
PAULSHOF - The contentious issue of the proposed K60 route has been given more clarity as a draft scoping report is now available to be viewed in a number of different venues in the Paulshof area.
The proposed K60 route between Maxwell and Woodmead Drive has been opposed by the Friends of Rietfontein, as well as wildlife rehabilitation organisation FreeMe, as they believe it will affect a section of Rietfontein Nature Reserve.
FreeMe is concerned that it will possibly not be able to continue its work in the area.
Nicci Wright, senior animal manager at FreeMe, explained that the noise and disturbances from the K60 may affect the rehabilitation process of sensitive animals like badgers and otters.
At the public meeting on 15 May, Michelle Watson of Friends of Rietfontein explained that the proposed route would cut through the nature reserve and would interfere with the biodiversity of the area as Rietfontein Nature Reserve’s ridges are corridors used for the migration of small and large mammals.
Watson added that while the Friends of Rietfontein were not opposed to alleviating traffic, which is the purpose of the proposed route, they do suggest that an alternative route should be investigated.
A draft of the scoping report that relates to this issue is available for viewing for the next 40 days.
The document is available for viewing at FreeMe Rehabilitation Centre, the South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind, Rivonia Library and St Peter’s Preparatory School.
The public are asked to view the document, compiled by Rock Environmental Consulting, and submit comments to them before the end of business on 8 November 2013.
Details: rockec@lantic.net; www.rockeco.co.za
