INGENIEUR
well . The description of an impact assessment will include the types of impacts ( pending on the nature of the heritage resources ) on the individual attributes or the area as whole .
Impact can be managed by mitigation measures such as avoiding , reducing and or compensating for a negative impact . Some measures are needed before construction such as archaeological excavations , and some during and post construction such as protection and recording . There are circumstances in which the alignment will have to be relocated .
The first HIA study carried out for an infrastructure ( linear ) project in Malaysia was undertaken by MRT Corp , and MMC-Gamuda JV as project delivery partner , for the Sungai Buloh – Putrajaya ( SSP ) line in 2014 . Awareness briefings on heritage and the understanding of HIA were conducted by MRT Corp and MMC-Gamuda JV with invited speakers from the National Heritage Department and heritage experts .
At that time , an HIA was required in the railway scheme approval by The Land Public Transport Commission ( SPAD ). Besides an HIA , a SIA was also required to support the EIA . Subsequent to that , the practice of conducting HIAs has since become one of the requirements for all railway projects in the nation .
“ If We Don ’ t Care About Our Past , We Cannot Hope For The Future … I Care Desperately About Saving Old Buildings .”
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Although many developers , building consultants , construction managers and certain public sector deprartments may not be fully aware of the importance of conducting HIAs , it is hoped that this article sheds light and provides some useful information on the subject . Although we are all very proud of our history , we may not always express how much we value a place until it becomes threatened . Therefore , HIA plays an important role in safeguarding and protecting our heritage for sustainability and most of all , for the next generation .
Conclusion
The success of major infrastructure developments such as railways , tunnels , roads , highways , waterways , bridges , and other transportation hubs depends partly on the support of HIA studies . While it is recognised that infrastructure development is one of the key contributors to economic growth , the protection , management and conservation of our heritage should be acknowledged as equally important . The benefits of preserving our country ’ s historic significance and heritage sites , add potentially to increase income-earning opportunities , upgrade the city ’ s liveability , and competitiveness . Lessons learned from the past projects , after the NHA Act 2005 came into effect , have continued to increase the awareness for protection of the rich and diverse heritage resources our country is proud of .
REFERENCE
( 2011 ) Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessment for Cultural World Heritage Properties , ICOMOS .
( 2012 ) National Heritage Act 2005 ( ACT 645 ), International Law Books Services .
( 2013 ) Determining Effectiveness in heritage impact assessment , A . P . Roders , A . Bond , J . Teller .
( 2014 ) Town and Country Planning Act 1976 ( ACT 172 ) & Order , International Law Books Services .
( 2014 ) Heritage Impact Assessment SSP Line ( MRT 2 ), CGB Consultants Sdn Bhd .
PHOTO CREDITS All photos are the courtesy of CGB Consultants Sdn Bhd .
14 VOL 85 JANUARY - MARCH 2021