K60 scoping report under scrutiny

The proposed K60 road will cut into Rietfontein Nature Reserve’s quartzite ridge which, the Friends of Rietfontein explained, is a corridor for the migration of a number of animal species.

Friends of Rietfontein and FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre which is based at the reserve, are opposed to the road and have a number of objections to the report. At a Friends of Rietfontein meeting regarding the scoping report, the main objections were the lack of a complete study of the area as well as a failure to outline clear alternatives to the proposed K60 route. The proposed K60 will also pass just 83m away from FreeMe’s animal enclosures. FreeMe treats more than

10 000 cases of indigenous wildlife a year and as a result have grown into one of the busiest wildlife rehabilitation centres in Africa. It was discussed that no study had been done on the effect of road noise and air pollution on the rehabilitation of a caged animal.

Friends of Rietfontein and FreeMe urge the public to read the K60 scoping report and submit any objections to Rock Environmental Consulting before the cut-off date. The report is available for viewing at FreeMe, SA Guide Dog Association for the Blind and the Sunninghill Community office in Sunninghill Village shopping centre. A digital version is also available on the Rock Environmental Consulting website.

Objections to the report need to be submitted in writing to Rock Environmental Consulting before 8 November.

Details: www.rockeco.co.za, rockec@lantic.net