Proposed development of the Vaalfontein Cemetery

BACKGROUND AND PROJECT RATIONALE

The City of Cape Town proposes the establishment of the Vaalfontein Cemetery on Erf 781, Firgrove, Cape Town. The development is necessitated by a pressing need for additional burial space in the Eastern Region; Helderberg District as well as in the broader City metro and the department has identified specific parcels of property throughout the city that could be developed into cemeteries, including the aforementioned site.

The proposed cemetery development will occur on the 23-hectare Erf 781, with a footprint of approximately 14.15 hectares

The proposed expansion requires an environmental authorisation from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) for activities associated with the expansion of the cemetery.  

SITE DESCRIPTION

The site is situated alongside a railway reserve and old Main Road and is accessible via the Main Road (M9) which runs along the northern edge of the site.  The City of Cape Town’s Vaalfontein Cleansing and Water Services depot is located on a portion of the site while Schonenberg Estate borders the site to the east.

APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

Application has been made for environmental authorisation to undertake listed activities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998) and EIA Regulations, 2014 as amended (GNR 326 of 2017):

Activity 19 of Listing Notice 1 (GNR 327 of 2017): The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 10 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 10 cubic metres from a watercourse.

Activity 23 of Listing Notice 1 (GNR 327 of 2017): The development of cemeteries of 2 500 square metres or more in size.

OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE

The 30-day commenting period for the revised draft BAR commences on Thursday 05 September to Monday 7th October 2024.

Should you have any queries or concerns, you can contact the Environmental Assessment Practitioner, Jeremy Rose or Kudakwashe Chimatira as follows:

• By sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• By post to Infinity Environmental, Suite 17, Private Bag X11, Mowbray 7705
• By sending a WhatsApp message to 060 524 7676
• By completing the form on this page

Files can be accessed at the link below.