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Swartkops to Aloes 132 kV OHL BA
Proposed Swartkops Substation to Aloes Substation 132 kV Overhead Powerline, Gqeberha
609199
ECm1/C/LN1&3/M/15-2025
Rob Gardiner
Abby van Nierop
vnab@srk.co.za
+27 (0) 41 509 4800

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) proposes to construct a new 132 kV overhead powerline (OHL) from the Swartkops Substation (adjacent to the Swartkops Power Station) to the Aloes Substation in the Markman Industrial Area of Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The proposed alignment crosses the Swartkops Estuary near the Wylde Bridge and traverses the western boundary of the unproclaimed Aloes Nature Reserve.
The project triggers several listed activities in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act No. 107 of 1998). SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd has been appointed as the independent environmental assessment practitioner to undertake the Basic Assessment process for the proposed development.
This submission follows the 30 day public review period of the revised Draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) (dated July 2025), which was made available for public comment from 12 July 2025 -11 August 2025. All comments received during the review period have been recorded and responded to.
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
The revised Draft BAR reflects updates made following the first public comment period for the original Draft BAR (23 April 2025 – 26 May 2025), including the incorporation of a realigned section of the preferred alignment (Alternative 1), referred to as Alternative 4, developed in response to stakeholder input. Alternative 4 has been assessed by the appointed specialists, who confirmed that the realignment does not introduce any new environmental sensitivities, and that identified impacts can be effectively mitigated through the measures already recommended in the original assessment
The revised Draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) is available for public review and comment for a 30 day period from 12 April to 11 August 2025. Following the review period, SRK will finalise the BAR by addressing all feedback received from Interested and Affected Parties (IAP), stakeholders, and competent authorities.
IAPs and other stakeholders are invited to submit written comments or register as IAPs by sending an email to SRK at the address above. Submissions must include the project reference number, your full name, contact details (e.g., phone and/or email), and a statement of any business, financial, personal, or other interest in the application.
Please note that only registered IAPs will be notified of future opportunities to comment on project-related documentation. If you have previously registered, no further action is required. All comments and registration requests must reach SRK by no later than close of business on 11 August 2025.