Gautrain findings out soon
Mantshele wa ga Tau
23 January 2003
Findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study conducted around Gauteng communities who will be affected by the Gautrain project are expected in mid-February.
The outcome would be included in a report drafted by Botlhweki Environmental consultants to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs (DACEL), a statement said.
The draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), undertaken for the proposed Gautrain Rapid Rail Link, was released for public comment on 21 October 2002.
The public initially had 30 days – until 21 November 2002 – to comment on the draft EIR.
However, this date was extended to 21 December 2002 to allow interested and affected parties additional time for comment. Comments were received from more than 115 individuals and organisations.
According to the statement, Bohlweki Environmental is currently collating and evaluating comments received and obtaining
additional information needed in response to public enquiries.
"And the findings of the EIR would be re-assessed in the light of the new information acquired.
"The results of new information obtained as part of the specialist Heritage Impact Assessment and the Environmental Resource Economics studies will also be included as part of the addendum to facilitate decision-making," it added.
The Gautrain project is one of 10 mega-projects of the Gauteng provincial government's multi-million economic plan, Blue IQ, aimed at economic infrastructure investment in the areas of information technology, transport, tourism and high value-added manufacturing.
Dubbed the Shilowa Express, the bullet train will be completed by 2006.
At an estimated cost of R5-billion, the train is expected to carry about 60 000 passengers a day travelling at speeds of about 160/kmph making the journey from Johannesburg to Pretoria in about 35 minutes.
It will stop at Park
Station in Johannesburg, Rosebank, Sandton, Marlboro, Midrand, Centurion, Hatfield (Pretoria), Rhodesfield and Johannesburg International Airport.
Source: BuaNews
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