Background

The Cape Metropolitan Area experiences serious traffic congestion problems in certain areas, particularly on major routes within a 10-15km radius of the CBD of Cape Town. Currently, the main routes servicing the Cape Metropolitan Area are the N1, N2 and N7 National Roads together with heavily utilized lower order arterial roads. This problem has led to the proposal for the R300 Ring Road, which will be declared as a National Road, the N21.

The R300 Ring Road is intended as a toll road between Muizenberg and Melkbosstrand. The ultimate intention is to provide an Outer Ring Road, which is accessible from as many areas as possible within the Cape Town urban area. This will result in the unloading of heavily congested arterial routes in the urban area together with related savings in time and cost for motorists. It is the developers' intention that the toll fees generated should be cost effective to all sectors of the population, while ensuring that the maintenance and service of the road are of a high standard in the future.

Chand/Ecosense JV have been appointed to carry out the Environmental Impact Assessment for this proposal.

Legislative Requirement

The Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989 provides for the control of identified activities, which may have a detrimental effect on the environment. The act further prohibits such activities until written authorization is obtained from the Minister or their delegated authority. Such authorization, which may be granted subject to conditions, will only be considered once the Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken.

Activities that may be detrimental to the environment are listed in the Government Notice R1182 of the 5 September 1997. The construction of roads outside borders of town planning schemes is such a listed activity and consequently the current study will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations promulgated in terms of the Environment Conservation Act.

It should be noted that portions of the road fall within existing Town Planning Schemes. Thus, only certain areas of the proposed road are subject to the legal EIA process. However in the spirit of the National Environmental Management Act (No 106 of 1998) and the interest of good planning this project is being viewed as a whole, and all phases will be investigated.

Scoping Process

Scoping is the first phase of the EIA process and is currently being undertaken. The scoping exercise includes:

• Initial Specialist Investigation
• Public Participation

The principles of the Integrated Environmental Management procedure, which include informed decision-making and an open and participatory approach, are guiding this environmental exercise.

Public Participation Process

As part of the Scoping exercise a Public Participation Process is being undertaken. The following methodology has been implemented to give Interested and Affected Parties the opportunity to comment on the proposed road:

• Identification of key Interested and Affected Parties in each phase of the development.
• Compilation and distribution of a Background Information Document.
• Compilation and distribution of additional Background Information.
• Information sharing meetings with key I&APs.
• Notification in the local media of the EIA process and Open Houses.
• Open Houses (3).

• Telephonic follow-ups.
• Review of the Draft Scoping Report.

Areas of Investigation

A meeting was held with various environmental authorities in March 2000. It was suggested that the following aspects be addressed in the scoping report:

Biophysical

• Geology and Soils
• Topography
• Climate
• Flora and Fauna
  • The possibility of crossing Renosterveld, dune Fynbos or Strandveld remnants.
  • Identification of core botanical sites.
  • Passing through nature reserves.
  • Ornithological disturbance to Zeekoevlei and Sandvlei.
• Freshwater systems
  • Rivers and vleis.

Social Aspects

• Demographic Profile
  • Population
  • Labour force
  • Crime 
  • Education
  • Income
  • Housing
• Traffic
• Property values
• Land-use compatibility

Study Team

How to Participate

• Obtain a copy of the Background Information Document 1 and  Background Information Document 2 from this website and send comments to Chand Ecosense JV to the address listed below
• Attend the Open Houses on:

• Telephonically contact Chand Ecosense JV

Contact Details