environmental scoping assessment report...

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING

ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR:

2019

R du Toit

Enviro Management Consultants Namibia

NAMIBIA RESURFACING PROGRAM: OSHAKATI AREA

Contract No: RA/MC – MRP/07 – 2015 (OSH) – M0123

1 | P a g e E n v i r o n m e n t a l I n v e s t i g a t i o n – B o r r o w P i t s

1. Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 4

1.1 BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT ....................................................... 4

1.2 BORROW PITS ...................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 CONSTRUCTION WATER REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 8

1.4 RESIDUES AND EMISSIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION ..................................................... 8

1.5 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...................................................................................... 9

2. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ....................................................... 9

2.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF NAMIBIA ................................................................................................ 9

2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT POLICY (1995) .......................................................................... 9

2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT NO.7 (2007) ................................................................... 10

2.4 OTHER APPLICABLE NAMIBIAN LEGISLATION ............................................................................ 10

3. METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................ 12

3.1 DATA COLLECTION ................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ........................................................................ 14

4. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................ 15

4.1 CLIMATE ................................................................................................................................ 15

4.2 TOPOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................ 16

4.3 GEOLOGY .............................................................................................................................. 16

4.4 SURFACE HYDROLOGY ........................................................................................................... 17

4.5 GEOHYDROLOGY .................................................................................................................... 17

4.6 SOILS .................................................................................................................................... 18

4.7 AIR QUALITY .......................................................................................................................... 18

4.8 FAUNA ................................................................................................................................... 18

4.9 FLORA ................................................................................................................................... 20

4.10 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE .................................................................................................... 20

Omusati Region ....................................................................................................................... 21

Demographics ......................................................................................................................... 22

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ................................................................................. 22

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................ 32

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SUMMARY ................................................................... 43

7. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ....................................................... 45

7.1 ESMP ADMINISTRATION ......................................................................................................... 45

7.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................ 45

A) Engineer’s Representative (ER) ...................................................................................... 45

B) Environmental Control Officer (ECO) ............................................................................... 46

C) The Contractor ............................................................................................................. 46

7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING ................................................................................. 47

7.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ........................................................................................................... 47

7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING ..................................................................................................... 48

7.6 DOCUMENTATION, RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING PROCEDURES ........................................ 48

7.7 HOURS OF OPERATION ........................................................................................................... 48


7.8 THIRD PARTY OR PUBLIC COMPLAINTS .................................................................................... 49

7.9 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... 49

7.10 MINIMUM REQUIRED ENVIRONMENTAL / SOCIAL MITIGATION MEASURES .................................... 50

7.11 NON-COMPLIANCE .................................................................................................................. 55

A) Procedures ................................................................................................................... 55

B) Offences and Penalties .................................................................................................. 55

8. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................ 58

9. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 59

Table of Figures

Figure 1: Picture of M0111 – B .................................................................................................. 6

Figure 2: Google Earth image of the BP ...................................................................................... 7

Figure 3: Location of M0111 - B ................................................................................................. 8

Figure 4: Average Annual Temp. Figure 5: Average Annual Rain ............................................ 15

Figure 6: Topographical Characteristics .................................................................................... 16

Figure 7: Geology of Namibia .................................................................................................. 16

Figure 8: TDS Aquifer Water ................................................................................................... 17

Figure 9: Dominant Soils ......................................................................................................... 18

Figure 10: Plant diversity ........................................................................................................ 20

Figure 11: Omusati Region ...................................................................................................... 21


Project Name:

NAMIBIA RESURFACING PROGRAM: OSHAKATI AREA

Contract No: RA/MC – MRP/07 – 2015 (OSH) M0123

The Client:

Mr. Horst Schommarz

Tel: 061 284 7019

Fax: 061 284 7148

[email protected]

Prepared by:

Enviro Management

Consultants Namibia

P O Box 11574

Windhoek

Release Date:

March 2019

Consultants:

ELEMENT CONSULTING ENGINEERS

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 061 309 616

Fax: 061 309 412

Revised:

R. Du Toit

Cell: 081 461 5578

Fax: 088 626968

E-mail: [email protected]


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT

Maintenance of the national road network in Namibia is a very important socio-economic aspect. The

roads network not only ensures effective and economic transport of goods, but also facilitate the

movement of people within the country.

Re-seal contracts of the bitumen roads network is underway for the past two years and is coming to

an end within the next six months. During this time many kilometers of bitumen roads have been re-

sealed as to prolong the life of the roads network in Namibia.

Event though this has been done, some additional work is required as to ensure safe roads. The

shoulder areas of some roads have been eroded (in the northern parts of Namibia) due to prolonged

water damage.

During several site inspections on the resurfacing work of M0111 and M0123 the severe deterioration

of the gravel shoulders was noted. The deteriorated shoulders imposed a safety risks to road users

and leads to premature pavement and surfacing failures. The shoulder’s function is to aid as an

emergency deceleration lane for vehicles that need to pull off the road and to support the base and

subbase layers in the transverse direction.

Like any gravel road, gravel shoulders wear and lose material with time, albeit at a much slower rate

than gravel roads due to being less trafficked. Routine maintenance is necessary, particularly to avoid

high drop-offs from the bitumen surfacing, but also to avoid the possible collection of water in

channels that frequently form at the junction of the surfacing and the shoulder gravel.

The current material on the gravel shoulders of M0111 and M0123 is cohesionless silcrete sand which

erodes at a high rate under traffic and with the high seasonal rains in the Oshakati region. The figures

below are examples which are representative of the identified section to be reconstructed on M0111

and M0123.

The best materials for gravel shoulders are those that comply with the requirements for unpaved road

wearing course gravels (TRH20). It is important that the crossfall is maintained at about 4%, as


anything larger than this usually results in transverse erosion, and flatter crossfalls do not remove

surface water adequately. The shoulder should meet the edge of the adjacent bituminous surfacing

at the same level.

The work involved is the shoulder rehabilitation of approximately 18.0 km on the RHS and 16.8 km

on the LHS on M0123 and 60.0 km RHS and LHS on M0111. The shoulder section will be rebuilt to a

width of 1.5m and would require approximately 75% of new imported material from the borrow areas.

The work will be done concurrently with resurfacing actions on the project and will not influence the

critical activities; therefore, no extension of time is required.

1.2 BORROW PITS

To achieve the abovementioned, suitable material is required from borrow pits. These pits are opened

using various heavy-duty machines and the material is hauled from the pit to the required sections of

the road where the material is needed. It is imperative that the material excavated complies with the

engineering standards required for the project.

Another important issue is hauling distance. The borrow pits cannot be situated too far from the

section of the road where the material is needed, therefore borrow pits cannot be located too far

apart (incurring costs due to hauling).

This document specifically focuses on the location of ONE borrow pit (MO123) where suitable materials

are to be obtained for the construction of the shoulders.

It is very important to note that these three borrow pits are existing borrow pits and no new pits will be opened. The following pictures were taken from the areas where the new material will be taken to construct the shoulders.

All vegetation has previously been removed from the exisiting pit avoiding any negative impacts on the natural ground cover. It is envisaged that suitable materials will be available in the existing pit limiting the need to expand horizontally.

Oshikuku

Tsandi

Okahao Oshakati

Outapi

BP M0123


Figure 1: Picture of M0123

Borrow Pit Coordinates:

M0123 17° 44ʺ 29,53ʹ S

14° 51ʺ 32,50 E

The quantity of material required from this pit is approximately 9 200 cubic meters (approximately 1300 truck loads).


Figure 2: Google Earth image of the BP


Figure 3: Location of M0123

1.3 CONSTRUCTION WATER REQUIREMENTS

There is no water required for the excavation of suitable material from a borrow pit.

1.4 RESIDUES AND EMISSIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION

Due to the type of activities that are associated with the construction of the shoulders it is very unlikely

that any toxic materials will be present on site. The only risk might be hazardous hydrocarbon

substances such as fuels (diesel and petrol) and oils used by the construction machines.

Domestic and camp construction wastes generated at the contractor camps can very easily be

managed due to the close proximity to the various towns of Okahao and Tsandi. Proper waste

management principles should be enforced as stipulated by the Environmental Management Plan.


1.5 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

It is assumed that the information provided by Element Consulting Engineers and the information in

the Inception Report and other relevant documentation used for the compilation of this Environmental

Report is accurate and relevant to this date.

It is also assumed that the secondary data collected for the bio-physical and socio-economic

environments are true and correct. These include data sources associated with printed books, data

available on the internet and other studies as indicated in this report.

The Contract determined the available time and funds available to complete this project.

Communication between the various team members was assured trough regular meetings.

2. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

This section deals with the regulatory requirements that are applicable to this project.

NAMIBIAN LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 The Constitution of Namibia

Article 95 (1) of the Constitution of Namibia states that “The State shall actively promote and maintain

the welfare of the people by adopting, inter alia, policies aimed at the … “ maintenance of ecosystems,

essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilization of living natural

resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future; in particular,

the Government shall provide measures against the dumping or recycling of foreign nuclear and toxic

waste on Namibian territory.”

2.2 Environmental Assessment Policy (1995)

Namibia’s Environmental Assessment Policy was endorsed by Cabinet and published in 1995. The

Policy provides a procedure for environmental assessments, which sets out to:

• Better inform decision makers and promote accountability of decisions taken;

• strive for a high degree of public participation and involvement by all sectors of the

Namibian community in the environmental assessment process;

• take into account the environmental costs and benefits of proposed policies, programmes

and projects;

• take into account the secondary and cumulative environmental impacts of policies,

programmes and projects; and

• promote sustainable development in Namibia, and especially ensure that a reasonable

attempt is made to minimize anticipated negative impacts and maximize the benefits of all

development.


2.3 Environmental Management Act No.7 (2007)

Namibia’s Environmental Management Act was passed in parliament in December 2007 and gives effect to Namibia’s Environmental Assessment Policy.

The Environmental Management Act sets out the following principles of environmental management:

(i) Renewable resources must be used on a sustainable basis for the benefit of present and future

generations;

(ii) community involvement in natural resources management and the sharing of benefits arising from

the use of the resources, must be promoted and facilitated;

(iii) the participation of all interested and affected parties must be promoted and decisions must take

into account the interest, needs and values of interested and affected parties;

(iv) equitable access to environmental resources must be promoted and the functional integrity of

ecological systems must be taken into account to ensure the sustainability of the systems and to

prevent harmful effects;

(v) assessments must be undertaken for projects which may have significant effects on the

environment or the use of natural resources;

(vi) sustainable development must be promoted in all aspects relating to the environment;

(vii) Namibia's cultural and natural heritage including, its biological diversity, must be protected and

respected for the benefit of present and future generations;

(viii) the option that provides the most benefit or causes the least damage to the environment as a

whole, at a cost acceptable to society, in the long term as well as in the short term must be adopted

to reduce the generation of waste and polluting substances at source;

(ix) the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste must be promoted;

(x) a person who causes damage to the environment must pay the costs associated with rehabilitation

of damage to the environment and to human health caused by pollution, including costs for measures

as are reasonably required to be implemented to prevent further environmental damage;

(xi) where there is sufficient evidence which establishes that there are threats of serious or irreversible

damage to the environment, lack of full scientific certainty may not be used as a reason for postponing

cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation; and

(xii) damage to the environment must be prevented and activities which cause such damage must be

reduced, limited or controlled.

2.4 Other Applicable Namibian Legislation

Other Namibian legislation of direct relevance to the Project are summarised in Table 1: List of

Applicable Legislation below. Also given in this table are the Project specific implications of each

relevant piece of legislation.


Table 1: List of Applicable Legislation

Statute Provisions Project Implications

Atmospheric Pollution

Prevention Ordinance 45

of 1965

• Part II - control of noxious or

offensive gases,

• Part III - atmospheric pollution

by smoke,

• Part IV - dust control, and

• Part V - air pollution by fumes

emitted by vehicles.

• Application for an Air

Emissions permit from the

Ministry of Health and Social

Services (if required).

Forest Act 12 of 2001 Provision for the protection of

natural vegetation.

No regulations promulgated yet.

Section 22(1): It is unlawful for any

person to “cut, destroy or remove:

• any living tree, bush or shrub

growing within 100 meters from a river, stream or watercourse

on land that is not part of a

surveyed erf or a local authority

area without a license.

• Vegetation which is on a sand

dune or drifting sand or on a gully unless the cutting,

destruction or removal is done

for the purpose of stabilizing the

sand or gully.

• Permits should be obtained

from Department of Forestry

for the removal of protected

trees.

Hazardous Substances

Ordinance 14 of 1974

Control of substances which may

cause injury or ill-health or death of

human beings because of their toxic, corrosive, irritant, strongly

sensitising or flammable nature, and

for the control of certain electronic

products and radioactive material.

Does not regulate the transport or

dumping of hazardous substances.

Regulations only relate to the declaration of certain substances as

hazardous substances.

• The handling and storage of

hazardous substances on the

Project Site should be carefully

controlled.

• Disposal of hazardous

substances needs to be

carefully controlled.

National Heritage Act 27

of 2004

Heritage resources to be conserved

in development.

All archaeological sites to be

identified and protected.

Nature Conservation

Ordinance 4 of 1975

Requires a permit for picking (the definition of “picking” includes

damage or destroy) protected plants

without a permit.

In case there is an intention to remove protected species, then

permits will be required.

Preservation of Trees and

Forests Ordinance

Protection to tree species. The Contractor will require a permit to remove any protected

trees.


Statute Provisions Project Implications

Soil Conservation Act 76 of

1969

Prevention and combating of soil

erosion; conservation, improvement

and manner of use of soil and vegetation, and protection of water

sources.

The Minister may direct owners or land occupiers in respect of inter alia water courses. No Regulations exist

to this effect.

Removals of vegetation cover to be

avoided and minimized at all costs.

Soil pollution to be avoided.

Water Resources

Management Act 24 of

2004

Section 32 states that no person may

abstract or use water, except in

accordance with a license issued

under this Act. Abstraction of water including open waters, aquifer,

brackish or marine water.

Section 46 states that any drilling to

be conducted or enlargement of an

existing borehole can only be conducted under a permit issued

under the Act.

Section 56 states that a person may

not discharge any effluent directly or

indirectly to any water resource on or under the ground or construct any

effluent treatment facility or disposal

site unless in compliance with a permit issued under Section 60 of

the Act. Where “effluent” means any

liquid discharge as a result of domestic, commercial, industrial or

agricultural activities.

Section 78 states that a person may

not engage in any construction

activity that impounds, blocks or otherwise impedes the flow of water

in a watercourse without the

Minister’s written approval

authorising such activity.

Obligation not to pollute surface

water bodies.

The following permits are required

in terms of the Water Act:

• water abstraction permits that

will form part of the contract

obligations.

Public Health Act 36 of

1919

Provides for the prevention of

pollution of public water supplies.

A general obligation for the Contractor not to pollute the water

bodies in the area.

3. METHODOLOGY

The activities undertaken as part of the study are outlined below.

3.1 Data Collection

Data collected for the bio-physical environmental assessment comprised the following;


• Site visit and stakeholder consultation. A site visit was conducted at the site to determine the bio-physical conditions of the borrow pit area. During the site visit focused attention was given to any environmental aspect that might be significantly affected by the construction and operational phases of the proposed project.

o During the stakeholder consultation questions were posed to the meeting surrounding any environmental aspect they consider to be sensitive with regards to the project. These comments (if any) are then taken into consideration during the impact identification and evaluation process.

• Literature review. The EA team made use of available secondary data to compose an overview of the baseline conditions that exist at the proposed site. These sources include, but are not limited to, the following:

o Atlas of Namibia – Mendelsohn et al. (2003);

o GIS information available on the internet (MET website – www.met.gov.na);

o Other literature available commercially (books and reviews);

o Legislative policies and document which includes the Namibian Environmental Policy, Environmental Management Act (2007) and MCA / MCC policies and guidelines;

• Obtaining information from team members. Various inputs were received from team members involved in the project. This includes the technical, design and social team members. Liaising with these teams enhances the understanding of the project and therefore focuses the environmental assessment to make it site and project specific.


3.2 Identification and Assessment of Impacts

A checklist is designed to help users identify the likely significant environmental effects of proposed

projects during scoping. It is to be used in conjunction with the Checklist of Criteria for Evaluating the

Significance of Impacts.

There are two stages:

• First, identifying the potential impacts of projects;

• Second selecting those which are likely to be significant and therefore require most attention

in the assessment.

A useful way of identifying the potential impacts of a project is to identify all the activities or sources

of impact that could arise from construction, operation or decommissioning of the project, and to ––

–-consider these alongside the characteristics of the project environment that could be affected, to

identify where there could be interactions between them. The two parts of the Scoping Checklist have

been developed to assist in this process.

Start with the checklist of questions set out below. Complete Column 2 by answering:

• yes - if the activity is likely to occur during implementation of the project;

• no - if it is not expected to occur;

• ? - if it is uncertain at this stage whether it will occur or not.

For each activity for which the answer in Column 2 is “Yes” or “?”, refer to the second part of the

Scoping Checklist which lists characteristics of the project environment which could be affected, and

identify any which could be affected by that activity. Information will be used about the surrounding

environment in order to complete this stage. Note the characteristics of the project environment that

could be affected, and the nature of the potential effects in Column 3.

Finally, the Checklist of Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Impacts helps to complete Column

4.

This will identify those impacts which are expected to be significant. The questions are designed so

that a “yes” answer will point towards a significant impact. It is often difficult to decide what is or is

not significant, but a useful simple check is to ask whether the effect is one that is of sufficient

importance that it ought to be considered and have an influence on the development consent decision.


4. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

This section describes the bio-physical environmental aspects of the study area to allow for

identification of elements of environmental sensitivity and to provide the context for the assessment

of significance of impacts related to the proposed road shoulder construction within the environment.

4.1 Climate

The climate of the project area is representative of the Northern Regions of Namibia when the climate

is considered, namely subtropical. Temperatures are relatively high during the summer months

ranging between 34-46 degrees Celsius and average above 22 degrees Celsius annually. The project

area is also known for above Namibian average rainfall of around 425mm annually with most of the

precipitation occurring during the months of November to March.

Figure 4: Average Annual Temp.1 Figure 5: Average Annual Rain

The annual evaporation rate of the area is approximately 1820 – 1960 mm with a water deficit figure

of 1500 – 1700 mm per annum. This makes the area very dependable on good annual rains as to

avoid drought conditions (MET).

Dominant wind direction at the project area is from the East (15%) but the area has a 57% frequency

of calm wind days which is very high (Mendelsohn, 2003). This indicates that winds are probably only

generated during seasonal changes and during the rainy season where local climatic conditions

generate winds.

1 All graphical representation of the data was obtained from the Digital Atlas of Namibia (2002).


4.2 Topography

The project area lies in the Cuvelai drainage basin

which is characterised by very flat plains and no

dominant topographical high points.

The general height of the area is between 1101 and

1200 meter above sea level with a very gentle slope

to the south east (GPS readings).

The only topographical depressions noted during the

site visit were the oshanas that is found in this area

with some drainage lines that runs in a south eastern

direction from the town as well as the old sludge

dams to the north.

The topography influences various other aspects of

the project area such as the general hydrology,

vegetation types, aquifer water quality and even the

socio-economic characteristics due to the fishing and

crop production.

Figure 6: Topographical Characteristics

4.3 Geology

The project area is situated in the Karoo Sequence

(TrOg uc) that dominates the northern parts of

Namibia.

Red conglomerates, red mudstone, sandstone and

grits up to 600m thick of the Triassic Omigonde

Formation occur in the Outapi area and stretches

south east towards the Waterberg direction to the

Otjongundu plateau (Miller 1992).

The age of the dominant geological structure is older

than 280 million years which makes it a relatively

young formation within Namibia (Damara Sequence

is between 900 and 1000 million years).

No dominant mineral deposits are found in these

geological structures, but some coal has been

discovered in the lower Permian Prince Albert

Formation at depths of 10m.

Figure 7: Geology of Namibia


4.4 Surface Hydrology

The most important drainage system in central northern Namibia is the Cuvelai. The Cuvelai

originates in Angola, its catchment falling between those of the Kunene River in the west and the

Okavango River in the east. The system is fed by a number of rivers some of which receives more

than 800 mm of rain per year in their catchment areas. Perennial tributaries occur only in Angola

while the Namibian part of the Cuvelai basin flow only in the rainy season.

These oshanas are shallow, often vegetated, poorly defined but are interconnected flood channels

and pans through which surface water flows slowly or form pools depending on the intensity of the

floods. These seasonal flows provide fishing grounds, renew pastures and recharge aquifer water

supply. Cattle and other animals depend highly on the surface water for drinking purposes during

and after the rainy seasons.

During the rainy season the oshanas may fill and slowly flow in a south-easterly direction towards

the Etosha Pan (refer to Figure 6: Topographical Characteristics).

There are no known existing water pollution discharge points near the sites.

4.5 Geohydrology

All groundwater within the Cuvelai basin flows south

towards the Etosha Pan due to the structure of the

basin and because the pan, as the lowest point, forms

the base level of the groundwater flow system

(Christelis 2001).

Geo-hydrology in the project area is characteristic of

shallow aquifer levels (between 10-30 m below

surface) of water which is sustained during the year.

However, this might be the case, the quality of the

water varies considerable due to the saline soils and

high salt content. The surface water percolates

through the top soils and is then isolated by the clay

layer underneath.

The water quality over much of the region is

extremely poor and severely limits its usefulness. The

TDS (Figure 8: TDS Aquifer Water) is a good measure

to determine the quality of the water and for

classification: a TDS of over 1500mg/l is not suitable

for humans and 5000 mg per litre is not even suitable

for livestock.

Figure 8: TDS Aquifer Water


The Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshana Regions all have readings above the 5000 mg/liter threshold.

Even though the water quality is very poor in the project area the borehole yields are also low.

Mendelsohn (2000) indicates that the yield of boreholes is less than 2 cubic meters of water per hour

which emphasises the dependence on surface water for commercial and subsistence stock farming

and also for the production of crops.

4.6 Soils

Namibian soils vary greatly and different forces

impact on the development of the various soils. The

project area lies in the dominant Eutric Cambisols

(fertile soils with high base saturation) soil group

(Christelis 2001). This soil type is best described as

soils that were formed quite recently in geological

time, mainly from medium and fine-textured parent

material deposited during sporadic flooding. Since the

parent material is only slightly weathered, Cambisols

are characterised by the absence of appreciable

quantities of accumulated clay, organic material, and

aluminium and iron.

Nevertheless, their fertility is usually moderate to high

and in the project area even higher due to the good

water holding capacity and internal drainage of the

dominating soils found at the site (Mendelsohn 2003).

4.7 Air Quality

The project area is surrounded by limited industrial activities that could influence the current air

quality.

Due to the soil types, dust storms are not a concern and the access roads to the various borrow pits

will not contribute significantly to the deterioration of the air quality.

4.8 Fauna

During the site visit limited fauna was observed. Looking at current secondary data it is also evident

that diversity of various fauna species is low around the project area. The reason is that animals and

birds are direct dependant on their habitat. The project area does not host a large bio-diversity

composition and therefore also limits fauna diversity.

Figure 9: Dominant Soils


From the Critically Endangered and Endangered bird species list it must be noted that the following

birds should require special attention in the region:

1. Saddlebilled stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

2. Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus

3. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus

4. Southern Ground Bucorvus leadbeateri

-Hornbill

5. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus

6. Blue crane Anthropoides paradiseus

No other critically endangered species would be found around the project area. Even though this is

the case the Northern parts of Namibia is known to be on route of various birds migrating to Europe,

but the proposed project will not have any effect on these birds (Sinclair 2009).

According to Mendelsohn (2003) the whole Cuvelai area has a low bio-diversity level due to

topographical characteristics, climatic conditions, vegetation types and soils.

Another impacting factor is the fact that the project area and surrounding areas are one of the more

densely populated areas in Namibia. This tendency also impact negatively on fauna diversity and

numbers.

Mendelsohn 2003 indicates levels of diversity in various groups. These groups give an indication of

the diversity found in fauna but even more indicates the variation of habitat on which these different

species and genera live. The higher the index of species (high classification), the more complex the

habitat can be considered to be. There will also be a strong correlation between the index of specie

with regards to the diversity and the vulnerability of the habitat.

Type of Diversity Number of Low

Species / genera Medium

High

Overall terrestrial diversity Low

Plant diversity 50-99 Low

Bird diversity 111-140 Medium

Frog diversity 12-15 Medium

Mammal diversity 46-60 Medium

Reptile diversity 41-50 Medium

Scorpion diversity 6-9 Low

Table 2 Index of Species diversity


4.9 Flora

The project area is situated in the Cuvelai drainage system which greatly influences the vegetation

diversity and characteristics. The occasional flooding results in low medium plant diversity in the

Outapi area (Mendelsohn 2000).

Grasses and shrubs dominate in areas which have

more flooding where these soils are relatively

shallow, clayey and salty (Mendelsohn 2003).

During the site visit it became evident that the site

lies in the Acacia tree and shrub Savanna

(Mannheimer 2009). Species that were identified, but

also limited to, were the following:

1. Sand thorn

Acacia arenaria

2. Weeping candle-pod acacia

Acacia hebeclada subsp. Tristis

3. Scented-pod acacia

Acacia nilotica

None of the recorded species are protected or require

special attention with regards to conservation efforts.

No other species that is protected under any law was

noted during the site visit.

4.10 Socio-economic baseline

Namibia is classified as a lower middle-income country, with a per capita GDP of approximately US$

1,800 per annum. However, it is one of the countries in the world with the greatest disparity between

rich and poor; the country’s Gini-coefficient is 0.70, compared to the average for the Southern African

Development Community region (SADC) of 0.58.2

Namibia is an arid country, with the highest rainfall occurring in the north and north-east. In these

areas, the predominant agricultural activities are crop cultivation and livestock farming. In the central,

western and southern areas, extensive livestock ranching is practiced, with small-stock predominating

in the more arid southern and western areas. More than 70% of Namibians are dependent on

subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods.

The main drivers of Namibia’s economy are mining, fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Agriculture is

especially important for the economy of rural areas (which accounts for two-thirds of the population).

2 The Gini-coefficient, developed in 1912 by Italian statistician Corrado Gini, is a mathematical measure of income

inequality. Its theoretical maximum value is 1 – which would imply that a single person receives 100% of the total

income and the remaining people receive none – and its theoretical minimum value is 0 – in which case everyone

receives exactly the same income. The Gini-coefficient of the United States of America is between 0.45 and 0.5, while

that of Sweden is 0.23.

Figure 10: Plant

diversity


For 25% of households in Namibia, farming represents their main source of income (NIDS, 2011). Of

these, the vast majority (about 90%) rely on subsistence or communal farming.

Omusati Region

Omusati region is one of the thirteen regions of Namibia. In the north, Omusati borders the Cunene

Province of Angola. Domestically, it borders the Ohangwena region to the northeast, Oshana to the

east, and Kunene to the south and west. The region comprises nine constituencies: Onesi, Tsandi,

Outapi, Okalongo, Oshikuku, Elim, Okahao, Anamulenge, and Ogongo.

Electorally, the Omusati region is dominated by the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO).

In the 2004 parliamentary election, Omusati voters selected SWAPO with 97.68% of their votes. The

region has a surface area of 14 000 km², a population of 243 166 (in 2011) and a population density

of 16.7 persons per square kilometre. Its capital is Outapi (see Figure 11).

Figure 11: Omusati Region

Important landmarks of the region include Ruacana town and waterfall. The region is traversed by a

high standard trunk road which provides a direct link to adjacent regions and the rest of the country.

Although passenger and freight transport along this route is easy, the rest of this road network, in

common with all the communal areas of northern Namibia, is of poor quality. Okahao and Outapi both

have small hospitals, and a network of clinics provides basic services.


Demographics

Omusati region accounts for 11% of the population of Namibia (NIDS, 2011). The breakdown of

households’ main sources of income is shown in Table 3. As can be seen from this table, agriculture

is by far the most common source of livelihood in the region; dependence on this sector is greater

than in the rest of Namibia, even when only the rural areas are considered. Reliance on wages and

salaries is significantly lower than in the rest of the country. The region is characterised by a largely

traditional lifestyle: 84.5% of households live in traditional dwellings (vs. the national average of

41% of households).

Table 3: Household sources in income in the Region

Households' main source of income Urban Rural Omusati

Farming 7.1% 23.3% 22%

Business activities non farming 15.7% 10% 10.4%

Wages and Salaries 63% 22% 25%

Old-age pension 4% 33% 31%

Cash remittance 5% 5% 5%

Old-age pension (retirement) 1% 3% 3%

Orphans' grant 06% 3% 2.8%

Disability grant 1% 0.5% 1%

Other 2% 1.9% 1%

In terms of some development indicators, the region lags behind the rest of the country. The average

household size in the region is 5.2, versus the national average household size of 4.7. Of all the

households in the region, 59% are headed by females; for the country, female-headed households

account for only 43% of households.

Only 7% of households in the region use electricity for where candles contribute 48.5% as a source

of light. Life expectancy is 47 years for females and 48 years for males, versus 55 and 49, respectively,

for Namibia as a whole3.

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

From the start of the project it was clear that there are not significant negative socio-economic impacts

associated with this project. The land owners of the proposed borrow pit areas were personally

consulted as well as the local authorities and politicians. The land owners are well aware of the

condition of the road shoulders and were very positive towards the proposed rehabilitation of the

shoulders.

The public participation process was undertaken in accordance with the principles and requirements of the Namibian Environmental Management Act, No 7 of 2007 and associated Regulations.

The approach to the public participation process was open and participatory with the full involvement of Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs). This approach ensured that reasonable measures were taken to identify stakeholder issues and concerns.

3 Omusati 2011, Census Regional Profile. Namibia Statistics Agency. Republic of Namibia.


The Methodology for the Public Participation was as follows:

The proposed project was advertised twice in two different newspapers as to comply with the

Environmental Management act No.7 of 2007 and the applicable Environmental Regulations. The

advertisements were placed as follows;

The Namibian: Wednesday 20th February 2019

Wednesday 27th February 2019

The New Era: Monday 18th February 2019

Monday 25th February 2019

There was only one comment on the placement of the notices in the various newspapers.

Registered / Land owner Actions Comments

Hafeni Hiveluah [email protected]

Sent a BID to the person. There was no response after the BID has been sent.

Festus Gabriel – Headman from the Elim Constituency and land owner.

This person was visited during the PP process.

He requested that the borrow pit areas will be left as a dam suitable for cattle.

Gerhard Shumi – Elim Constituency Councillor.


He requested that the borrow pit areas will be left as a dam suitable for cattle.

Sakaria Mwatange – Omusati Regional Council - Tsandi Constituency.


Positive response with regards to the project due to increased road safety.

Bartholomeus Shomeya -Uukwaluudi Traditional Authority.


No comments.

A Background Information Document was compiled explaining the proposed project and indicating

the location of the three borrow pits. This document was available to any registrar responding to the

notices.

There were no negative comments received during the public participation process. The only request

was that the borrow pits be rehabilitated to be used as dams for the roaming cattle.


PROOF OF PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS


WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED


6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Checklists are easy to use and offer the advantages of simplicity and ease of comparison. They bring structure to gathering and classifying information, to identifying potential environmental impacts, and to develop and consider possible mitigation options. They also help in reaching tentative conclusions on the extent of environmental impact. Checklists are widely used in EIA processes to guide decision-making, especially during the pre-feasibility and planning phases of the project life cycle, when it is most critical to address anticipated adverse impacts and to include mitigating measures. Checklists are designed: • To help identify significant negative impacts by providing the right questions to ask regarding

the various project activities and the respective environmental components that may be affected.

Checklists can be used to determine environmental impact thresholds, thus indicating whether a full-

scale EIA is needed for a particular project;

• To provide a systematic approach to the environmental screening of development projects. A

checklist forces the assessment to consider a standardised set of activities or effects for each proposed

action, thus bringing uniformity to the assessment process;

• To indicate how and why certain project activities have environmental impacts which will

allow planners to transfer those principles to the screening of projects not specifically addressed by

the checklists?

• To assist in identifying appropriate mitigation measures to be incorporated into the project

design; and,

• To increase environmental awareness and understanding of the relationship between

environmentally sound practices and sustainable development.4

The following questionnaire checklist was used during the identification, evaluation and significant

rating of environmental aspects associated with this project based on the methodology mentioned in

section 3.2 of this document. The significance ratings are given not taking mitigation measures into

consideration, but mention is made where successful mitigation measures are possible.

4 Directorate of Environmental Affairs, 2008. Procedures and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP), Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Windhoek.


PART 1 OF THE SCOPING CHECKLIST: QUESTIONS ON PROJECT

CHARACTERISTICS

1. Will construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involve actions which will cause physical changes in

the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, etc.)?

No. Questions to be considered in

Scoping Yes/No/?

Which Characteristics of the

Project Environment could be affected and how?

Is the effect likely to be significant? Why?

1.1 Permanent or temporary change in land use, land cover or topography including increases in intensity of land use?

Yes The quarry operations will temporary alter the land use and land cover. The topography will permanently be altered.

Medium significance because of mitigation measures that can be

implemented.

1.2 Clearance of existing land, vegetation and buildings?

Yes Clearing of vegetation for construction operations influencing the vegetation, soils and topography.

The effect might be of low significance. The endemism of the vegetation is low, but the sensitivity is low.

1.3 Creation of new land uses? No

1.4 Pre-construction investigators for instance boreholes, soil testing?

Yes Material prospecting will be conducted prior to borrow pit identification and material allocation for construction. The topography will be altered as well as flora and soils.

Low significance due to the extent.

1.5 Construction works? No

1.6 Demolition works? No

1.7 Temporary sites used for construction works or housing of construction workers?

No

1.8 Above ground buildings, structures or earthworks including linear structures cut and fill or excavations?

Yes The above ground earthworks will be regarded as primarily for the opening of a borrow pit. Topography will be affected as well as soils.

Yes, the excavations will be prominent during the construction phase.

1.9 Underground works including mining or tunnelling?

No

1.10 Reclamation works? No

1.11 Dredging? No

1.12 Coastal structures egg seawalls, piers? No

1.13 Offshore structures? No

1.14 Production and manufacturing processes? No

1.15 Facilities for storage of goods or materials? No All materials and goods will be stored in urban areas.

No impact predicted.


1.16 Facilities for treatment or disposal of solid wastes or liquid effluents?

No

1.17 Facilities for long term housing of operational workers?

No

1.18 New road, rail or sea traffic during construction or operation?

Yes Traffic increase due to movement of construction vehicles. Health and safety.

Medium significance due to safety concerns for regular road users as well as construction workers.

1.19 New road, rail, air, water body or other transport infrastructure including new or altered routes and stations, ports, airports etc.?

No

1.20 Closure or diversion of existing transport routes or infrastructure leading to changes in traffic movements?

No

1.21 New or diverted transmission lines or pipelines?

No

1.22 Impoundment, damming, culverts, realignment or other changes to the hydrology of watercourses or aquifers?

Yes Opening of the new borrow pit will have an effect on the surface hydrology.

Low significance because it is existing borrow pits.

1.23 Stream crossings? No

1.24 Abstraction or transfers of water from ground or surface waters?

No

1.25 Changes in water bodies or the land surface affecting drainage or run-off?

Yes The borrow pit will change the land surface.

Low significance due to the extent.

1.26 Transport of personnel or materials for construction, operation or commissioning?

Yes Materials and personnel will be transported during construction phase. Health and Safety.

Medium significance on the health and safety of the personnel as well as the public due to increased traffic volumes.

1.27 Long term dismantling or decommissioning or restoration works?

No

1.28 On-going activity during decommissioning which could have an impact on the environment?

No

1.29 Influx of people to an area either temporarily or permanently?

No

1.30 Introduction of alien species? No

1.31 Loss of native species or genetic diversity? Yes Surface disturbances always impact

on the bio-diversity of an area. Soils,

fauna and flora.

There might be low significant impact on the genetic diversity due to low endemism.

1.32 Any other actions? No


2. Will construction or operation of the Project use natural resources such as land, water, materials or energy,

especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short supply?


Scoping Yes/No/?




2.1 Land especially undeveloped or agricultural land?

Yes

The biggest impact will be the borrow pits needed to be opened to obtain the necessary materials for the construction of the road shoulders. This will impact on the natural materials excavated from the pits.

The significance will be low due to previous borrow pit activities.

2.2 Water? No

3. Will the Project involve use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials which could be

harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived risks to human health?


Scoping Yes/No/?




3.1

Will the project involve use of substances or materials which are

hazardous or toxic to human health or the environment (flora, fauna, and

water supplies)?

No

3.2

Will the project result in changes in occurrence of disease or affect disease

vectors (eg insect or water borne diseases)?

No

3.3 Will the project affect the welfare of people eg by changing living conditions?

Yes Road safety will increase and access to

facilities will improve Low significance

3.4 Are there especially vulnerable groups of people who could be affected by the

project eg hospital patients, the elderly?

No

3.5 Any other causes? No

4. Will the Project produce solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning?


Scoping Yes/No/?




4.1 Spoil, overburden or mine wastes? Yes

Soil and topography will be affected with the overburden

produced during material excavations at the borrow pits and

spoils from the construction alongside the road.

Medium significance but can be mitigated successfully.


4.2 Municipal waste (household and or

commercial wastes)? Yes

Domestic waste will be generated at the borrow pit site.

No. The domestic waste can be managed.

4.3 Hazardous or toxic wastes (including

radioactive wastes)? No

4.4 Other industrial process wastes? No

4.5 Surplus product? No

4.6 Sewage sludge or other sludge from

effluent treatment? No

4.7 Construction or demolition wastes? No

4.8 Redundant machinery or equipment? No

4.9 Contaminated soils or other material? Yes

There is always a possibility that contamination of soils can occur

during construction due to spillage of oils / diesel.

The scale of contamination is limited under normal conditions but can be

significant should an accident occur.

4.10 Agricultural wastes? No

4.11 Any other solid wastes? No

5. Will the Project release pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air?


Scoping Yes/No/?




5.1 Emissions from combustion of fossil fuels

from stationary or mobile sources? Yes

Gasses such as Nox and Sox are deposited in the air from the

machines.

No. The quantity of these gasses will not impact

negatively on the environment.

5.2 Emissions from production processes? No

5.3 Emissions from materials handling including

storage or transport? Yes

Gasses such as Nox and Sox are deposited in the air from the

machines.

No. The quantity of these gasses will not impact


5.4 Emissions from construction activities

including plant and equipment? Yes

The movement from vehicles will generate dust and gaseous

emissions.

The significance will be low and can further be mitigated.

5.5 Dust or odours from handling of materials including construction materials, sewage

and waste? Yes

Dust from mineral handling and transport.

Yes.

Dust might be a nuisance to receptors should the borrow

pits be located near residents.


5.6 Emissions from incineration of waste? No

5.7 Emissions from burning of waste in open air

(eg slash material, construction debris)? No

5.8 Emissions from any other sources? No

6. Will the Project cause noise and vibration or release of light, heat energy or electromagnetic radiation?


Scoping Yes/No/?




6.1 From operation of equipment eg engines,

ventilation plant, crushers? Yes

The mining of borrow pits and production equipment produces noise and vibrations due to the machines.

Depending on the receptors in close proximity of the plant. The significance might be

medium.

6.2 From industrial or similar processes? No

6.3 From construction or demolition? No

6.4 From blasting or piling? No

6.5 From construction or operational traffic? Yes

The hauling trucks will produce noise and vibration. During operation

phase the impact of heavy trucks may be significant depending on the

proximity of the receptors.

Operational phase might have a medium significant impact on residents of the various

homesteads.

6.6 From lighting or cooling systems? No

6.7 From sources of electromagnetic radiation (consider effects on nearby sensitive equipment as well as people)?

No

6.8 From any other sources? No

7. Will the Project lead to risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants onto the ground or into sewers, surface waters groundwater, coastal waters or the sea?


Scoping Yes/No/?




7.1 From handling, storage, use or spillage of

hazardous or toxic materials? Yes

Impact on soil and surface water quality due to spillage of oils and hydrocarbon liquids (diesel and oil is always a possibility.

Medium significance due to the low volumes present on site.


7.2 From discharge of sewage or other

effluents (whether treated or untreated) to water or the land?

No

7.3 By deposition of pollutants emitted to air,

onto the land or into water? Yes Gasses from the machines.

Low significance during construction. Medium impact during the operational phase.

7.4 From any other sources? No

7.5 Is there a risk of long term build-up of

pollutants in the environment from these sources?

No

8. Will there be any risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project which could affect human health

or the environment?


Scoping Yes/No/?




8.1 From explosions, spillages, fires etc from storage, handling, use or production of

hazardous or toxic substances? No

8.2 From events beyond the limits of normal environmental protection eg failure of

pollution controls systems? No

8.3 From any other causes? No

8.4 Could the project be affected by natural disasters causing environmental damage

(eg floods, earthquakes, landslip, etc)?

No

9. Will the Project result in social changes, for example, in demography, traditional lifestyles, employment?


Scoping Yes/No/?




9.1 Changes in population size, age,

structure, social groups etc? No

9.2 By resettlement of people or

Demolition of homes or communities or community facilities eg schools, hospitals,

social facilities?

No

9.3 Through in-migration of new residents or

creation of new communities? No

9.4 By placing increased demands on local

facilities or services eg housing, education, health?

No


9.5

By creating jobs during construction or operation or causing the loss of jobs with

effects on unemployment and the economy?

No

9.6 Any other causes? No

10. Are there any other factors which should be considered such as consequential development which could lead to

environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or planned activities in the

locality?


Scoping Yes/No/?




10.1

Will the project lead to pressure for consequential development which could

have significant impact on the environment eg more housing, new roads, new supporting industries or utilities, etc?

No

10.2

Will the project lead to development of supporting facilities, ancillary development or development stimulated by the project which could have impact on the environment eg:

• supporting infrastructure (roads, power supply, waste or waste water treatment, etc)

• housing development

• extractive industries

• supply industries

• other?

No

10.3 Will the project lead to after-use of the site which could have an impact on the

environment?

No

10.4 Will the project set a precedent for later

developments? No

10.5 Will the project have cumulative effects

due to proximity to other existing or planned projects with similar effects?

No


PART TWO OF THE SCOPING CHECKLIST: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT

ENVIRONMENT

For each project characteristic identified in Part One consider whether any of the following environmental components could be affected.

Question - Are there features of the local environment on or around the Project location which could be affected by the Project?

• There is a very low possibility of features of high historic or cultural importance.

• Surface drainage patterns will be addressed through proper engineering design.

• The aesthetic characteristics of the area will be affected by the project negatively. Proper mitigation measures should

be implemented to prevent significant impacts in this regard.

Question - Is the Project in a location where it is likely to be highly visible to many people?

The topographical characteristics of the area are such that the visual impact will be medium. The borrow pit will not be very deep which would have resulted in high walls (before rehabilitation).

Question - Is the Project located in a previously undeveloped area where there will be loss of Greenfield land?

The borrow pit is mostly in underdeveloped land and already impacted due to previous material excavations.

Question - Are there existing land uses on or around the Project location which could be affected or altered?

Project? No.

Question - Are there any plans for future land uses on or around the location which could be affected by the

Project? No.

Question - Are there any areas on or around the location which are densely populated or built-up, which could be

affected by the Project?

No.

Question - Are there any areas on or around the location which are occupied by sensitive land uses which could be affected by the Project?

No.

Question - Are there any areas on or around the location which contain important, high quality or scarce resources which could be affected by the Project?

No.

Question - Are there any areas on or around the location of the Project which are already subject to pollution or environmental damage e.g. where existing legal environmental standards are exceeded, which could be affected by

the project?

No. Even though levels of pollution have not been tested it is unlikely that legal levels of pollution has been or will be exceeded.

Question - Is the Project location susceptible to earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding or extreme or adverse climatic conditions e.g. temperature inversions, fogs, severe winds, which could cause the project to present environmental problems?

No.

Question - Is the Project likely to affect the physical condition of any environmental media?

Yes, the project has got an impact on the environmental media which includes the atmosphere (local), surface water run-off

drainage patterns, soils (compaction, crusting, and erosion) and natural ground conditions due to quarrying.


Question - Are releases from the Project likely to have effects on the quality of any environmental media?

• The air quality might deteriorate during construction phases.

• The quality of soil might deteriorate without proper management.

• Acidification of soils or waters will probably not occur.

• There will be some noise generated during the obtainment of materials in the borrow pit.

• Impact on vegetation will be evident for some time but will re-generate after some time. The sensitivity of the vegetation is

regarded to be low.

Question - Is the Project likely to affect the availability or scarcity of any resources either locally or globally?

• The project will use fossil fuels in liquid (diesel).

• Water will not be used for the borrow pit operations.

• The quarrying activity extracts minerals on a non-renewable basis.

Question - Is the Project likely to affect human or community health or welfare?

• The quality of air will be affected due to construction activities and hauling. Even though this is the case, human

health will not be affected.

• No mortality or morbidity might be experienced by human receptors.


In the Scoping checklist, the significance must be indicated. To facilitate this procedure, the following

questions were considered during the rating:

Questions that were considered to determine significance:

1. Will there be a large change in environmental conditions?

2. Will new features be out-of-scale with the existing environment?

3. Will the effect be unusual in the area or particularly complex?

4. Will the effect extend over a large area?

5. Will there be any potential for Trans -Frontier impact?

6. Will many people be affected?

7. Will many receptors of other types (fauna and flora, businesses, facilities) be affected?

8. Will valuable or scarce features or resources be affected?

9. Is there a risk that environmental standards will be breached?

10. Is there a risk that protected sites, areas, features will be affected?

11. Is there a high probability of the effect occurring?

12. Will the effect continue for a long time?

13. Will the effect be permanent rather than temporary?

14. Will the impact be continuous rather than intermittent?

15. If it is intermittent will it be frequent rather than rare?

16. Will the impact be irreversible?

17. Will it be difficult to avoid, or reduce or repair or compensate for the effect?


6.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Summary

The following environmental impacts were identified during the assessment procedure as described

above. The impacts are classified as either positive or negative and the significance ratings as low,

medium and high. Mitigation measures are not reckoned for the significance classification.

Ref. Activity Aspect / Impact Positive /

Negative

Significance

1.1 Permanent or temporary change

in land use, land cover or

topography including increases

in intensity of land use?

The quarry operations will temporary alter the land use and land cover. The topography will permanently

be altered.

Negative

Medium

1.2 Clearance of existing land,

vegetation and buildings.

Clearing of vegetation for construction operations

influencing the vegetation, soils and topography.

Negative Low

1.4 Pre-construction investigators

egg boreholes, soil testing?

Material prospecting will be conducted prior to

borrow pit identification and material allocation for

construction. The topography will be altered as well

as flora and soils.

Negative Low

1.8 Above ground buildings,

structures or earthworks

including linear structures cut

and fill or excavations?

The above ground earthworks will be regarded as

primarily for the road construction. Topography will

be affected as well as soils.

Negative Low

1.18 New road, rail or sea traffic

during construction or

operation?

Traffic increase due to movement of construction

vehicles. Health and safety.

Negative Medium

1.20 Closure or diversion of existing

transport routes or infrastructure

leading to changes in traffic

movements?

Section one will result in some lane closures to

upgrade the existing road. Section two will also

have some redirecting of traffic on the service road.

Negative Low

1.22 Impoundment, damming,

culverts, realignment or other

changes to the hydrology of

watercourses or aquifers?

Opening of the new borrow pit will have an effect

on the surface hydrology.

Negative Low

1.25 Changes in water bodies or the

land surface affecting drainage

or run-off?

The borrow pit will change the land surface. Negative Low

1.26 Transport of personnel or

materials for construction,

operation or commissioning?

Materials and personnel will be transported during

construction and operation phases. Health and

Safety.

Negative Medium

1.31 Loss of native species or genetic

diversity?

Surface disturbances always impact on the bio-

diversity of an area. Soils, fauna and flora.

Negative Low

2.1 Land especially undeveloped

or agricultural land?

The biggest impact will be the borrow pits needed

to be opened to obtain the necessary materials

for the construction of the road shoulders. This

will impact on the natural materials excavated

from the pits.

Negative

Low


3.3 Will the project affect the

welfare of people eg by

changing living conditions?

Road safety will increase and access to facilities will

improve.

Positive Low

4.1 Spoil, overburden or mine

wastes?

Soil and topography will be affected with the

overburden produced during material

excavations at the borrow pits and spoils from

the construction alongside the road.

Negative Medium

4.2 Municipal waste (household and or commercial wastes)?

Domestic waste will be generated at the borrow pit site.

Negative Low

4.9 Contaminated soils or other

material?

There is always a possibility that contamination of

soils can occur during construction and operation

due to spillage of oils / diesel.

Negative Medium

5.4 Emissions from construction

activities including plant and

equipment?

The movement from vehicles will generate dust

and gaseous emissions.

Negative Low

5.5 Dust or odours from handling

of materials including

construction materials, sewage

and waste?

Dust from mineral handling and transport. Negative Low

6.1 From operation of equipment

eg engines, ventilation plant,

crushers?

The mining of borrow pits and production

equipment produces noise and vibrations due to

the machines.

Negative Low

6.5 From construction or

operational traffic?

The hauling trucks will produce noise and

vibration. During operation phase the impact of

heavy trucks may be significant depending on the

proximity of the receptors.

Negative Medium

7.1 From handling, storage, use or

spillage of hazardous or toxic

materials?

Impact on soil and surface water quality due to

spillage of oils and hydrocarbon liquids (diesel, oil

and bitumen).

Negative Medium

7.3 By deposition of pollutants

emitted to air, onto the land

or into water?

Gasses from the machine will impact on the air

quality.

Negative Low


7. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Minimum Requirements for the Environmental and Social Management Programme (ESMP) are

attached in this document. It sets out as the minimum generic standards applicable to such a project.

A detailed site specific ESMP should be drafted before commencement of the borrow pits.

The ESMP is intended to bridge the gap between the Environmental Assessment (EA) and the

implementation of the project, particularly with regards to implementing the mitigation measures

recommended in the Environmental Assessment (EA). Monitoring, auditing and taking corrective

actions during implementation are crucial interventions to successfully implement the ESMP.

The ESMP detail actions to ensure compliance with regulatory bodies and further ensures that

environmental performance is increased through mitigation measures on impacts as they occur.

ESMP implementation is a cyclical process that converts mitigation measures into actions and through

cyclical monitoring, auditing, review and corrective action, ensures conformance with stated ESMP

aims and objectives. Through monitoring and auditing, feedback for continual improvement in

environmental performance must be provided and corrective action taken to ensure that the ESMP

remains effective.

7.1 ESMP Administration

Copies of the ESMP shall be kept at the site office and will be distributed to all senior contract

personnel. All senior personnel shall be required to familiarize themselves with the contents of this

document.

7.2 Roles and Responsibilities

The implementation of the ESMP requires the involvement of several stakeholders, each fulfilling a

different but vital role to ensure sound environmental management during each phase.

A) Engineer’s Representative (ER)

The Engineer shall delegate powers to the Engineer’s Representative (ER) on site who would act as

the Employer’s implementing agent and has the responsibility to ensure that the Employer’s

responsibilities are executed in compliance with relevant legislation and the ESMP. The Engineer

also has the responsibility to approve the Contractor’s appointment of the Environmental Control

Officer (ECO).

Any on-site decisions regarding environmental management are ultimately the responsibility of the

ER. The ER shall have the following responsibilities in terms of the implementation of this ESMP:

• Controlling that the necessary environmental authorizations and permits have been obtained

by the Contractor.

• Advising the Contractor in finding environmentally responsible solutions to problems with input

from the ECO (Environmental Control Officer) where necessary.

• Taking appropriate action if the specifications are not followed.

• Ordering the removal of person(s) and/or equipment not complying with the ESMP

specifications.

• Issuing penalties for non-compliance to mitigation measures pertained in the ESMP.


• Advising on the removal of person(s) and/or equipment not complying with the specifications.

• Auditing the implementation of the ESMP and compliance with authorization on a monthly

basis.

• Undertaking a continual review of the ESMP and recommending additions and/or changes to

the document after completion of the contract.

B) Environmental Control Officer (ECO)

The Environmental Control Officer (ECO) will be a competent person from the staff of Contractor to

implement the on-site environmental management of this ESMP by the Contractor. The ECO shall

have the following minimum experience:

• Must have executed at least two (2) contract(s) demonstrating experience with the key ESMP

requirements;

• Must have executed at least two (2) contract(s) demonstrating experience in relating to:

a. Waste management;

b. Traffic management;

c. Labour relations / recruitment management;

d. OHS management, and

e. HIV/AIDS awareness.

The ECO shall be on site daily and the ECO’s duties will include the following:

• Regular site inspections of all construction areas with regard to compliance with the ESMP.

• Evaluate and verifying adherence to the ESMP.

• Advising the Contractor in finding environmentally responsible solutions to ESMP non-

compliance activities.

• Organise and facilitate environmental awareness training for all new personnel coming

onto site.

C) The Contractor

The duties of the Contractor are as follows:

• The Contractor shall be familiar with the contents of the ESMP in order to understand

the mitigation measures and the reasons for the measures.

• The Contractor’s site agent and his Safety Health and Environmental Officer (SHE) shall

at all times be in possession of this ESMP.

• Attend lectures / training that deals with environmental issues and the content of the

ESMP.

• The Contractor shall through the SHE ensure that he complies fully with the

Environmental Specifications. This includes all plant operators, transport vehicles, and

sub-contractors.

• The Contractor should also notify the ER of any activity that could or did impact



7.3 Environmental Awareness Training

Before any work is commenced on the Site, the Contractor shall ensure that adequate environmental awareness training of senior site personnel takes place and that all construction workers receive an induction presentation on the importance and implications of the ESMP. The Contractor shall liaise with the Engineer during the establishment phase to fix a date and venue for the training and to agree on the training content. The Contractor shall provide a suitable venue and ensure that the specified employees attend the course. The Contractor shall ensure that all attendees sign an attendance register, and shall provide the ER with a copy of the attendance register. The presentation shall be conducted, as far as is possible, in the employees’ language of choice.

As a minimum, training should include:

• Explanation of the importance of complying with the ESMP.

• Discussion of the potential environmental impacts of construction activities.

• The benefits of improved personal performance.

• Employees’ roles and responsibilities, including emergency preparedness.

• Explanation of the mitigation measures that must be implemented when carrying out

their activities.

• Explanation of the specifics of this ESMP and its specification (no-go areas, etc.)

• Explanation of the management structure of individuals responsible for matters

pertaining to the ESMP.

• A HIV/AIDS awareness programme as part of Health and Safety issues.

• The Contractor shall keep records of all environmental training sessions, including

names, dates and the information presented.

The Code of Conduct list is attached to this document and serves as the minimum Environmental Awareness and Training curriculum to be conveyed to the construction workers. This list should also be incorporated into any induction training sessions of new workers.

7.4 Public Participation

An on-going process of public participation shall be maintained during construction to ensure the continued involvement of interested and affected parties (I&APs) in a meaningful way. Public meetings to discuss progress and any construction issues that may arise shall be held at least every three months and more regularly if deemed necessary by the ER. These meetings shall be arranged by the ECO but shall be facilitated by the ER. The Contractor shall present a progress report at each public meeting. All I&APs that participated in or were informed during the EIA shall be invited to each of the public meetings.


7.5 Environmental Auditing

Environmental auditing should be conducted at least once every three months during the construction

phase. These environmental audits will be conducted by an environmental consultant with the

required experience and sub-contracted by the Engineer.

Benefits derived from the audit process include:

• identification of environmental risks observed during a site visit;

• development or improvement of the environmental management system;

• suggested improvements to the ESMP;

• inspecting the required permits and licenses;

• increase in staff awareness with regards to the environment and the ESMP;

• inspect environmental incident reports, environmental monitoring and recording

documentation. These documents will be compiled and filed by the ECO.

Commonly, the audit of a site will cover all environmental management procedures, operational

activities & systems, and environmental issues.

7.6 Documentation, Record keeping and Reporting Procedures

The Contractor shall develop and implement an effective document handling and retrieval system for

all ESMP documentation on site. This will ensure that there is adequate ESMP documentation control

and will facilitate easy document access and evaluation. ESMP documentation should include (but

are not limited to):

• ESMP implementation activity specifications;

• training records;

• site inspection reports;

• monitoring reports; and

• auditing reports.

The Environmental Control Officer is responsible for ensuring that the registration and updating of all

relevant ESMP documentation is carried out. The ECO is responsible for ensuring that the latest

versions of documents are used to conduct tasks which may impact the project environment.

7.7 Hours of Operation

The Contractor’s hours of operation shall be as agreed with the Principle Agent. The Principal Agent

shall be notified of any written agreements varying the standard hours of work prior to the work

taking place.


7.8 Third Party or Public Complaints

The Contractor shall be responsible for responding to the Principal Agent in writing with respect to

queries and/or complaints relating to construction activities. The Contractor shall notify the Principal

Agent of any complaints being lodged by a third party. The Contractor shall be responsible for

maintaining a complaint’s register in which all complaints are recorded, as well as actions taken. This

register shall be made available to the Principal Agent on request. The complaint register should at

all times be available to the ECO.

7.9 Emergency Procedures

7.9.1 Fire

The Contractor shall take all the necessary precautions to ensure that fires are not started as a result

of activities on site. The Contractor shall report all fires immediately to the Principal Agent.

The Contractor shall be liable for any expenses incurred by any organizations called to assist with

fighting fires and for any costs relating to the rehabilitation of burnt areas and/ or property, and/or

persons should the fire be caused by activities on the site. No open fires for heating or cooking shall

be permitted on site. Closed fires or stoves shall only be permitted at agreed designated safe sites in

the construction site. Adequate suitable firefighting equipment shall be provided at each fire place or

stove. The Contractor is advised that sparks generated during operations involving welding, cutting

of metal or gas cutting can cause fires. Every possible precaution shall therefore be taken when

working with this equipment near potential sources of combustion. Such precautions include having

a suitable, tested and approved fire extinguisher immediately available at the site of any such activities

and the use of welding curtains. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the necessary basic

fire-fighting equipment. All equipment shall be maintained in good operating order.

7.9.2 Accidents on Site

The Contractor shall comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, National Building

Regulations and any other national, regional or local regulations with regard to safety on site. The

Contractor shall ensure that contact details of the local medical services are available to the relevant

construction personnel prior to commencing work.

7.9.3 Petroleum, Chemical, Harmful and Hazardous Materials

The Contractor shall ensure that he is familiar with the requirements for the safe storage, handling

and disposal of petroleum, chemical, harmful and hazardous materials. The Contractor shall be

responsible for establishing an emergency procedure for dealing with spills of release of these

substances. He shall also ensure that the relevant construction personnel are familiar with these

emergency procedures. The Contractor shall submit his emergency procedure to the Principal Agent

prior to bringing on site any such substances. All spills or accidents involving such materials are to

be recorded. The cleanup of spills and any damage caused by the spill shall be for the Contractor’s

account.

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7.10 Minimum Required Environmental / Social Mitigation Measures

COMPONENT OBJECTIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY/ PARTNERSHIPS

7.10.1 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

To ensure that the provisions of the ESMP are implemented during construction.

a. The Environmental and Social Consultants shall ensure that all aspects of the ESMP are implemented during the borrow pit activities.

b. The Environmental and Social Consultants shall attend regular site inspections and meetings and minutes shall make provision for reporting on every aspect of the ESMP.

Environmental and Social Consultants together with the ECO.

7.10.2 COMMUNICATION AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

To ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed throughout construction and that there is effective communication with and feedback to the Consultant and Client.

a. The Contractor shall appoint an ECO from the construction team to take responsibility for the implementation for all provisions of this ESMP and to liaise between the Contractor, Community, Client and Consultants. The ECO must be appointed within 14 days after the site-handover.

b. The Contractor shall at every site meeting report on the status of the implementation of all provisions of the ESMP.

c. The Contractor shall implement the environmental awareness training as stipulated in Section 7.3 above.

d. The Contractor shall liaise with the Social and Environmental consultants regarding all issues related to community consultation and negotiation as soon as possible after construction commences.

Contractor/ Environmental and Social Consultants to monitor.

7.10.3 HEALTH AND SAFETY

To ensure health and safety of workers and the public at all times during construction

a. The Contractor in consultation with the Engineers shall determine a strategy to ensure the least possible disruption to traffic and potential safety hazards during borrow pit activities.

b. The strategy should include a schedule of work indicating when and how road crossings (construction at existing intersections) will be made. The schedule will be updated and distributed to all stakeholders.

c. The Contractor shall also liaise with the Traffic Authorities in this regard.

d. Proper traffic and safety warning signs will be placed at the borrow pit to the satisfaction of the Engineer and the Roads Authority.

e. The Contractor will adhere to the regulations pertaining to Health and Safety, including the provision of protective clothing (PPE), failing to do so the Contract may be temporarily suspended until corrective actions are taken.

f. Dust protection masks shall be provided to task workers if they complain about dust.

Contractor will ensure the mitigation measures are enforced at his own expense.

The ECO will monitor.

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g. Potable water shall be available to workers to avoid dehydration. This water shall be of acceptable standards to avoid any illness. At least 5 liters of drinking water per person per day shall be made available during construction.

h. Transport of personnel on open trucks will not be allowed. i. Brewing and/or sale of any kind of alcohol on site should be prohibited, unless

in accordance with the law, statues, ordinances of Namibia’s government regulations and orders.

j. It has become regular practice for informal vendors, such as ‘kapana’ vendors, to set up ‘shop’ close to construction sites to sell foods and beverages to workers at affordable prices. These informal vendors should be allowed to sell their produce close to the site, but not at places where they could be hurt in any way, or where their presence would interfere with construction work.

k. The Contractor shall comply with relevant Labour Laws as stipulated by the Labour Act of Namibia.

l. The making of open fires on site is strictly prohibited. Gas or charcoal should be used for cooking purposes.

7.10.4 CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL AND HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENT

To minimise damage to soil, vegetation and historical resources during the construction phase. This includes soil crusting, soil erosion and unnecessary vegetation destruction.

Management of water (domestic and construction).

Management of other sensitive areas.

a. At the outset of construction (or during construction as may be applicable), the ECO and the Contractor shall visit all proposed borrow pits, haul roads, access roads, and other areas to be disturbed outside the road reserve. Areas to be disturbed shall be clearly demarcated, and no land outside these areas shall be disturbed or used for construction activities. Detailed instructions and final arrangements for protection of sensitive areas, preserving of topsoil and rehabilitation of disturbed areas shall be done, in line with the guidelines portrayed in this document.

b. Driving outside the road reserve shall not be allowed, except on the agreed haul and access roads.

c. Vegetation may be cleared within the borrow pit area which where pre-demarcated. The area on either side of this corridor may not be cleared of vegetation, unless permission is given to do so for detours or access roads. This measure is subject to the Roads Authority of Namibia’s specifications with regard to the road reserve.

d. A prescribed penalty will be deducted from the Contractor’s payment certificate for every mature tree removed without approval.

Contractor will ensure the mitigation

measures are

enforced at his own expense.


52 | P a g e


e. Where compaction has taken place in disturbed areas, these areas will be ripped and covered with topsoil kept separate for this purpose. These areas include, but are not limited to, stockpile areas, batching plant areas and crusher areas.

f. Poaching or collecting of wild animals is prohibited.

g. The killing of any animal (reptile, bird or mammal) is prohibited.

h. A prescribed penalty will be deducted from the Contractor’s payment certificate if it is shown that any of his staff or sub-contractors are involved in trapping, hunting or any kind of collecting of wild animals in the vicinity of the work sites. Offenders will be handed to the authorities for prosecution.

i. Collection of plants or parts of plants (including fire wood of any size or description) is forbidden.

j. Where possible protected plants will be relocated.

k. The Contractor must be sensitive to these sites and shall be aware that certain artefacts could be found here, upon which he shall immediately stop any excavations and record the positions of the items found, as well as the findings, to the National Museum in Windhoek and the National Monuments Council, who may require certain mitigation actions or further excavations and recordings to be carried out by an archaeologist. Any instructions related to assistance required from the Contractor will be dealt with in terms of the Contract.

l. No new track road may be created outside the road reserve and outside approved borrow pit areas.

m. The perimeter of each borrow area shall be agreed beforehand with the Engineer and demarcated with a one meter length of red and white safety tape of 100 mm width attached to at least eight trees or large bush around the area near the perimeter. The safety tape shall be replaced when necessary to ensure proper demarcation of the borrow area until commencement of rehabilitation of the borrow area. Extension of any pit beyond its demarcated boundaries shall be approved by the Engineer beforehand.

53 | P a g e


7.10.5 BORROW PIT MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION

To ensure proper soil management (combat soil erosion and promote biological activities).

Preserve and manage natural vegetation.

To ensure health and safety around the borrow pits (decommissioning phase).

To stimulate ecological processes after decommissioning (to stimulate vegetation and other biological activities).

To establish borrow pits which are aesthetically pleasing after decommissioning.

a. The removal of construction material shall be focused where the least significant vegetation exists and where suitable materials are available.

b. The Engineers and Surveyors must draft a plan for approval before commencement of a borrow pit. This plan must indicate the required resources and sensitive areas that may not be mined

c. All borrow pits must be rehabilitated. For the purpose of rehabilitation, it is important to refer to the Roads Authority Borrow Pit Environmental Guidelines attached – APPENDIX A.

d. A Borrow Pit Rehabilitation Plan will be compiled indicating the rehabilitation schedule (timeframes) for the various borrow pits to be rehabilitated.

e. Rehabilitation of the borrow pits will be done in consultation with the land owner.

f. Once the pits are scheduled for rehabilitation, the pit should be rehabilitated according to this ESMP. Once rehabilitation is complete, the Borrow Pit Rehabilitation Checklist will be completed (attached to this document). After signing of the Checklist the borrow pit is closed and NO more activities will be allowed in or around the closed borrow pit.


measures are enforced at his own

expense.


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7.10.6 WASTE AND POLLUTION MANAGEMENT OF SOILS AND THE AQUIFER

To avoid contribution to potential surface and groundwater pollution.

To avoid contribution to potential soil pollution.

To ensure that sound waste management practices are adhered to during construction.

a. No bulk fuel storage area will be allowed within the borrow pit area. b. The workforce will be sensitized to dispose of waste in a responsible manner

and not to litter.

c. Waste bins will be placed in and around the borrow pit site to facilitate proper waste management.

d. Toilet facilities will be available at the borrow pit areas to the following ratio: 2 toilets for every 50 females and one toilet for every 50 males.

e. No servicing of vehicles is allowed in the borrow pit area.

f. Drip trays will be available for all vehicles that are intended to be used during construction. These trays will be placed underneath each vehicle while the vehicles are parked. The drip trays will be cleaned every morning and the spillage handled as hazardous waste.

g. Machines operating during the day that shows signs of excess leaking (verified by ECO or ER) should be withdrawn from the task and repaired by the Contractor.

h. Accidental spills will be cleaned immediately. The contaminated soil will be suitably disposed of in a container suitable for hazardous waste.

i. Areas which have been contaminated with minor spillages shall be excavated and the contaminated soil shall be placed in PVC bags and taken to the office of the Representative of the Contractor on Site, from where it shall be disposed of at an authorised hazardous waste site within 24 hours, or as specified by the Engineer.


measures are enforced at his own

expense.


7.11 Non-Compliance

A) Procedures

The Contractor shall comply with the environmental specifications and requirements on an

on-going basis and any failure on his part to do so will entitle the ER to impose a penalty. In

the event of non-compliance the following recommended process shall be followed:

• The ER shall issue a notice of non-compliance to the Contractor through the ECO,

stating the nature and magnitude of the contravention.

• The Contractor shall act to correct the non-conformance within 24 hours of receipt of

the notice, or within a period that may be specified within the notice.

• The Contractor, through the ECO, shall provide the ER with a written statement

describing the actions to be taken to discontinue the non-conformance, the actions

taken to mitigate its effects and the expected results of the actions.

• In the case of the Contractor failing to remedy the situation within the predetermined

time frame, the Engineer shall impose a monetary penalty based on the conditions of

contract.

• In the case of non-compliance giving rise to physical environmental damage or

destruction, the Engineer shall be entitled to undertake or to cause to be undertaken

such remedial works as may be required to make good such damage and to recover

from the Contractor the full costs incurred in doing so.

• In the event of a dispute, difference of opinion, etc. between any parties with regard

to or arising from interpretation of the conditions of the ESMP, disagreement

regarding the implementation or method of implementation of conditions of the ESMP,

etc. any party shall be entitled to require that the issue be referred to specialists for

determination.

• The Engineer shall at all times have the right to stop work and/or certain activities on

site in the case of non-compliance or failure to implement remedial measures.

B) Offences and Penalties

Where the Contractor inflicts non-repairable damage upon the environment or fails to comply

with any of the environmental specifications, he shall be liable to pay a penalty fine over and

above any other contractual consequence.

The Contractor is deemed NOT to have complied with this Specification if:

a. within the boundaries of the site, site extensions and haul/access roads there is

evidence of contravention of the Specification;

b. environmental damage due to negligence;

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c. the Contractor fails to comply with corrective or other instructions issued by the ER

within a specific time;

d. the Contractor fails to respond adequately to complaints from the public.

Penalties for the activities detailed below, might be imposed on discretion of the ER should

the Contractor and/or his Subcontractors be found to be Non-Compliant (Section 8.6):

a. Actions leading to major erosion. A penalty equivalent in value to the

cost of rehabilitation plus 20%.

b. Oil spills due to negligence and/or

reluctance towards mitigation

measures mentioned in the ESMP.

A penalty equivalent in value to the

cost of clean-up operation plus N$ 50

000 (fifty thousand).

c. Damage to indigenous vegetation

due to reluctance towards the

ESMP.


cost of restoration plus N$ 15 000.

d. Damage to demarcated sensitive

environments.


cost of restoration plus N$ 5 000.

e. Damage to demarcated cultural

sites.

A penalty to a maximum of N$100

000 shall be paid for any damage to

any cultural/ historical sites identified

during the EIA and made known to

the Contractor.

f. Damage to trees. A penalty to a maximum of N$15 000

shall be paid for each tree removed

without prior permission, or a

maximum of N$15 000 for significant

damage to any tree, which is to be

retained on site.

g. Damage to natural fauna (due to

negligence and/or reluctance

towards the mitigation measures

mentioned in the ESMP).

A penalty to a maximum of N$15 000

for deliberate injury to any natural

occurring animal.

h. Any persons, vehicles, plant, or

thing related to the Contractors

operations within the designated

boundaries of a “no-go” area.

N$4,000

j. Litter on site. N$ 5,000

k. Deliberate lighting of illegal fires on

site.

N$ 5,000

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l. Individuals not making use of the site

toilet facilities.

N$100

m.

n.

Any person, vehicle, item of plant, or

anything related to the Contractors

operations causing a public nuisance

outside the demarcated construction

areas.

Any spillage from sewage either at

the contactor camp or mobile toilets.

N$1,000

N$ 50,000

• Penalties may be issued per incident at the discretion of the Engineer. The Engineer

will inform the Contractor of the contravention and the amount of the fine, and will

deduct the amount from monies due under the Contract.

• For each subsequent similar offence the fine may, at the discretion of the ER, be

doubled in value to a maximum value of N$100, 000.

• Payment of any fines in terms of the contract shall not absolve the offender from

being liable from prosecution in terms of any law.

• In the case of a dispute in terms of this section, the Engineer shall determine as to

what constitutes a transgression in terms of this document.

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8. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Considering the relevant information on the borrow pit it seems that the proposed borrow pit

will not have a significant negative impact on the bio-physical and socio-economic

environment.

The vegetation is not particularly sensitive and the borrow pit is an existing pit where most of

the vegetation has already been removed. Should the borrow pit be expanded the ESMP

mitigation measures will avoid or limited any negative impacts. The Environmental and Social

Management Plan (ESMP) submitted to the M.E.T. are also incorporated into the Contract

document for this project.

It is important to remember that the materials required for the construction of the road

shoulders are obtained from existing borrow pit areas. The land owners have been consulted

during the public participation process and the Local Authorities are also informed of the

proposed project areas.

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9. REFERENCES

Curtis, B & Mannheimer, C. (2005). Tree Atlas of Namibia. The National Botanical Research

Institute. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Namibia.

Directorate of Environmental Affairs, 2008. Procedures and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP), Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Windhoek.

Mendelsohn, J., Jarvis, A., Roberts, C. & Robertson, T. 2010. Atlas of Namibia. David Philip

Publishers, Cape Town.

Miller,R. McG. (1992). Regional Geology Series. The Stratigraphy of Namibia. Ministery of

Mines and Energy. Geological Survey. Namibia

Müller, M.A.N (2007).Grasses of Namibia. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. John

Meinert (Pty) Ltd. Windhoek.

National Planning Commission. 2003. Population and Housing Census 2011. Central Bureau

of Statistics. Windhoek

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APPENDIX A

ROADS AUTHORITY ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES

Safe Roads to Prosperity

ROADS AUTHORITY

TENDER NO RA/CS-NP/06-2011

PROPOSALS TO REHABILITATE

BORROW PITS

ALONG THE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK

ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES

JULY 2013

Prepared by: Enviro Management Consultants Namibia Andreas Helmich P.O. Box 11574 Projects & Management CC Windhoek P/Bag 40407 Namibia Windhoek, Namibia Tel: 081-461 5578 Tel: 081-128 4740 [email protected] [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T

SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE

1. Background ....................................................................................................... 62

2. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 62

3. Severity Classification ......................................................................................... 63

4. Borrow Pit Rehabilitation .................................................................................... 64

4.1 GENERAL ....................................................................................................................64

4.2 REHABILITATION OPTIONS ............................................................................................65

4.3 OPTION ONE ...............................................................................................................66

4.4 OPTION TWO: ..............................................................................................................67

5. Borrow Pit Taking-Over Certificate ....................................................................... 68

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1. BACKGROUND

The problem of non-rehabilitated or poorly rehabilitated borrow pits is not new. However, the

exceptionally heavy rains and subsequent floods have increased the problem and caused

erosion and enlargement of borrow pits.

It is common procedure that towards the end of the construction works for any road project

the local communities are consulted, in order to agree on the future use of borrow pits. Even

though during the rainy season many areas are flooded also during normal rain years, due to

the permeability of the soil, after the end of the rain season, surface water is available only for

short periods.

Since water is scarce in the project area, abandoned borrow pits are a welcome means of

water storage and therefore the local population often insists that borrow pits are not

rehabilitated. Even the mere shaping of the slopes is often not accepted as the soft topsoil, at

the bottom of the borrow pit, once soaked with water, often becomes a death trap for cattle,

which gets stuck and cannot escape anymore.

On the other hand, steep, often vertical slopes of borrow pits are a safety hazard to the local

population and life stock as well, in particular when erosion created overhangs that can break

off. Erosion further endangers nearby structures, houses, fences, grave yards, vegetation and

roads.

Therefore, technically adequate yet environmentally acceptable methods for the rehabilitation

of these borrow pits duly considering the current land use, mainly as water storage facility, is

herewith provided. A sensitive and balanced approach was used, reflecting the land use

requirements as well as safety and aesthetics.

2. INTRODUCTION

A borrow pit normally constitutes when natural material is obtained for any construction activity

normally associated with roads and other structures. The material obtained may vary, but is

best described as sub-soil, sand, stone, conglomerates or in many cases here in Namibia –

calcrete. These small scale mining activities associated with borrow pits excavate the material

by means of heavy machinery and results in some kind of void within the natural topography

of the area.

The most common negative environmental impacts associated with the opening of borrow pits

are change of land use, change in topography (high points – berms and low points – voids),

on the natural vegetation, surface water runoff characteristics, soils and the sense of place

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(aesthetics).

Safety issues also need to be considered. Steep slopes and high walls, damming of water and

unstable soils carry the potential of injury or even death to animals and people. Therefore, it

is important to focus on the rehabilitation guidelines to rectify or mitigate these negative

impacts for future and historically opened (used) borrow pits.

Therefore, not only abandoned old borrow pits should undergo a check in line with the

guidelines contained herein. The guidelines for the rehabilitation of borrow pits should

be included as standard approach for all Roads Authority road construction,

rehabilitation and maintenance projects in the relevant project specifications and

environmental management considerations.

The multitude of potential negative environmental impacts has been consolidated to a 4-tier

Severity Class System to describe the potential hazard risk, which is presented below. This

easy-to-use guideline enables the Engineer on site to assess the hazard risk of any borrow pit

and to instruct the required mitigation measures to rehabilitate any borrow pit technically

sound, safe and aesthetically pleasing.

3. SEVERITY CLASSIFICATION

Borrow pits after use have different shapes and depths and are located in different

environments. Therefore, they have to be considered individually. Nevertheless, general

criteria can be used to describe their hazard potential.

The following table determines the Severity Class for the hazard potential of any borrow pit –

focussing on the protection of health and safety of both animals and people.

The following methodology is applicable to determine the severity class:

• The borrow pits are checked against the criteria depicted in the table below and their

hazard potential is classified as None / Low / Medium / High;

• Should any one class score fall within the next higher class, then the classification of the

borrow pit shall be determined by that higher class score;

• Example 1. High walls: <1m None

2. Road proximity: >100m None

3. House/Dwelling proximity: 400m Low

4. Surface water drainage: >500m Low

5. School proximity: >500m None

6. Livestock present 0 None

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Risk Result: Low Risk

Severity Classification A B C D

High Walls (height) < 1m 1-2m 2-3m >3m

Road Proximity from shoulder of the

road >100m 60-100m 20-60m <20m

House - Dwelling Proximity distance

(if fenced off, from the fence) >250m

100 –

250m

50 –

100m <50m

Surface water drainage lines proximity

distance (open water course) >500m

300 –

500m

100 –

300m <100m

School (and other social services

facilities) Proximity distance (if fenced

off, from the fence)

>500m 300 –

500m

100 –

300m <100m

Livestock present in the camp / area 0 1-5 6-10 >10

Risk – Result None Low Medium High

4. BORROW PIT REHABILITATION

4.1 General

In order to reduce the hazard potential of borrow pits several approaches are potentially

possible, however not all of them will eliminate the hazard in the long run. For instance,

fencing-off the borrow pit would eliminate the danger of people or animal falling into the pit,

however on the other hand, cattle can also not reach the pit to drink, except if a lockable gate

is included. Further, future erosion might extend the borrow pit beyond the fence and

subsequently be a potential danger again.

On the other hand, structural measures are more expensive; however, they potentially mitigate

the danger sustainably. Nevertheless, also structural measures will have to be selected

carefully.

The typical measure is to slope the pit in such a way, that it is safe, but still accessible.

However, this might require the upper rim to be extended further, and adjacent land use (e.g.

homesteads) might be too close to realize this option.

Further, dozing soil into the pit in order to reduce the slope and to prevent future erosion

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reduces the storage volume, which will be opposed by the local community, as experienced

on numerous occasions in the past. Depending on the soil type, the loose soil in the borrow

pit, once soaked with water poses a life treat to animals as they can get stuck and if not being

able to free themselves, they will die.

4.2 Rehabilitation Options

The above discussion demonstrates that there is no “one-type-fits-all” solution. Therefore,

despite general rehabilitation options being prescribed in these guidelines, a careful selection

and application of the rehabilitation options, considering the individual circumstances, is

required.

Implementing the mitigation measures will ensure a safe environment for both wild and

domestic animals and inhabitants of the adjacent land, ensuring a stable bio-physical

environment, where natural processes can re-establish.

Two preferred rehabilitation options are available for borrow pits according to the material

available for rehabilitation and the Severity Classification, based on the above table.

Generally, Option One is to be applied wherever possible.

Should there not be enough material or space available, to rehabilitate the borrow pit as

described in Option One, the only viable option for rehabilitation will be Option Two.

Additionally, in order to prevent further erosion, especially where the borrow pit through

erosion encroaches into the road reserve or where human safety at settlements and near

social service facilities is compromised, the rim and slope of the borrow pit shall be protected

using low strength concrete (15 Mpa) reinforced with mesh wire.

This additional erosion protection measure will ensure that after rehabilitation the borrow pit

will not become a hazard in the future again through the continued uncontrolled extension.

Generally, it is not encouraged to remove vegetation that has already re-grown in the borrow

pit area, especially when the borrow pit is old.

Should however bushes be removed during the cutting of the slopes, these shall be treated

similar to dead vegetation, as described in Option One below (5).

During all construction related operations the spreading of alien invasive vegetation is an

environmental threat, which must be managed. The rehabilitation options below specify the

removal (burning) of alien vegetation for that purpose.

However, typically the problem lies with the identification of such species by the laymen. A list

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of the ten most invasive plant species that shall be eradicated or controlled is attached to these

guidelines.

4.2.1 Option One

This option is considered the ideal rehabilitation option and it has to be considered as

first option for borrow pits, with a Severity Classification of:

✓ None or

✓ Low or

✓ Medium

and

✓ where enough material and space is available for the rehabilitation

actions.

The following mitigation measures have to be applied:

1. The borrow pit floor will be levelled and no topographical high points will be

present on the floor;

2. No walls or steps will be present in or around the borrow pit;

3. The borrow pit floor will be free of any spoils, large rocks or any form of

construction waste – this material shall be deposited at the bottom of high walls

and will thus be covered with material when cutting the slopes;

4. The slopes will have a gradient not steeper than 1:3 and will be graded or

bladed;

5. Should dead vegetation be available, it will be distributed evenly on the slopes

to prevent wind and water erosion;

6. Overburden, top-soil and any other material, which was removed when the

borrow pit was opened and stockpiled on the outer sides of the borrow pit, will

be distributed on the slopes and floor of the borrow pit with a maximum

thickness of 300 mm;

7. Finishing of the slopes should be done in concentric circles, starting from the

borrow pit floor and moving upwards towards ground level to prevent initial

erosion induced by water and wind;

8. Remaining material (overburden and topsoil) will be shaped as a berm with a

maximum slope 1:3, with a distance of at least 3.0 m from the edge of the

borrow pit and not closer than 9.0 m to any structures (roads, buildings, etc.) -

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the berm will not be higher than 1.0 m;

9. All alien vegetation has been removed from the floor, the slopes and berms of

the borrow pit – to date the only method of eliminating alien vegetation

(excluding the use of toxins) is to burn it; this shall be done within the borrow

pit and remaining material shall be deposited at the bottom of high walls and

will thus be covered with material when cutting the slopes.

4.2.2 Option Two:

Should the application of the first rehabilitation option not be possible, this Option

Two shall be considered.

This rehabilitation option is applicable to borrow pits, which have a Severity

Classification of

✓ High or

✓ where sloping to the outside not possible due to adjacent obstacles or

✓ where not enough material is available for the rehabilitation actions of

Option One.

The following mitigation measures have to be applied:

1. The borrow pit floor will be levelled and no topographical high points will be

present on the floor;

2. The borrow pit floor will be free of any spoils, large rocks or any form of

construction waste– this material shall be deposited at the bottom of high

walls and will thus be covered with material when cutting the slopes;

3. The borrow pit will be fenced off:

a. with barbed wire and galvanized steel poles, minimum height 1.2 m,

b. with one access to the pit, which will be controlled by a gate of the same

material as the fence, the gate will be lockable and access granted to

the land owner only, if possible,

c. with the fence being constructed at least 5.0 m from the edge of the

borrow pit, enclosing the entire borrow pit;

4. A distance of at least 9.0 m to any adjacent structures, roads and other

obstacles shall be maintained;

5. All alien vegetation has been removed from the floor, the slopes and berms of

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the borrow pit – to date the only method of eliminating alien vegetation

(excluding the use of toxins) is to burn it; this shall be done within the borrow

pit and remaining material shall be deposited at the bottom of high walls and

will thus be covered with material when cutting the slopes.

5. BORROW PIT TAKING-OVER CERTIFICATE

It is essential that any borrow pit after rehabilitation meets all requirements set out in Option

One (ideally) or Option Two (alternatively). Only after the rehabilitation meeting all

requirements, the borrow pit can be handed over to the land owner and officially considered

as rehabilitated.

After the borrow pit has been handed over, the contractor or any other party may not be

allowed to engage in any further activities in or around the handed-over borrow pit. This

includes, but is not limited to activities such as further excavations, dumping of overburden or

spoils, sloping, etc.

Should the land owner or and other third party (including RA construction or maintenance

contractors) want to make use of the borrow pit in future, these shall be encouraged to apply

the same rehabilitation standards as set out in these guidelines.

Under no circumstances shall the borrow pit be extended in such a way that the current

Severity Class before rehabilitation would be increased, meaning the borrow pit becoming

more dangerous to human and animal life or encroaching into the road reserve.

In order to keep records of the rehabilitation operations meeting all requirements and in order

to avoid claims from the public with regard to un-rehabilitated borrow pits, it is prudent to record

the completion of the rehabilitation in accordance with the specifications and the acceptance

thereof.

The following Borrow Pit Tanking-Over Certificate shall therefore be signed by the parties

upon completion of the rehabilitation and handed over to the client for record keeping.

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BORROW PIT TAKING-OVER CERTIFICATE

Date: ________________________

Borrow Pit Name and Number: ________________________________________________

Location (road-km / GPS coordinates): ________________________________________________

The above borrow pit shall only be handed over once all of the listed criteria have been met by the

contractor.

Item No.

Description Comments Complies

Yes / No

1. The floor is level and no man made topographical high or low points are present in the borrow pit

2. The site in and around the pit is clear of any illegal dumping of foreign material, spoils and construction waste

3. Gradients of the pit slopes are less than 18 degrees (1:3) and are finished perpendicular to the slopes to prevent water erosion

4. The slopes are covered with overburden/top soil, if available, with a thickness of not more than 300 mm

5. Available dead vegetation is placed on the slopes of the borrow pits

6. The berm of excess soil outside the pit is not higher than 1.0 m, sloped 1:3 and min. 3.0 m away from the edge of the pit and min. 9.0 m away from any structure

7. There are no walls or steps present in or around the borrow pit, if so, then the pit has been fenced off according to spec.

8. All alien vegetation has been removed from the floor, the slopes and berms of the pit

Land Owner: _________________________________________ _______________________________

(Name) (Signature)

Contractor: _________________________________________ _______________________________

(Name) (Signature)

Consultant: _________________________________________ _______________________________

(Name) (Signature)

Client: _________________________________________

_______________________________ (Name) (Signature)

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APPENDIX B

CURRICULUM VITAE OF COMPILER

1. Proposed

Position : Environmental Consultant

2. Name of Firm : Enviro Management Consultants Namibia

3. Name of

Personnel : Rian du Toit

4. Date of Birth : 02 February 1971

5. Nationality : Namibian

6. Education:

Years Institution Degree/Diploma

1994 University of Pretoria B.A.

2001 University of South Africa B.A. (Hons) Geography

2015 University of Pretoria M.A. Environment and Society

7. Other Training:

Years Institution Certificate

2004 SGS ISO 14 000 Lead Auditor

2004 SGS FSC Auditor

8. Countries of Work Experience:

Years Work Done Country

1996 - 2001

Full time teacher in Geography

Senior Grades (Gr 10-12)

South Africa and Namibia

2002 - Present EIA’s, EMPR’s, Basic Assessments, Scoping Reports,

Mining Right Applications,

Project Management

South Africa

2007 – Present EIA’s, EMPR’s, Scoping Reports,

Mining Right Applications, Project Management

Namibia

9. Employment Record:

Years Company Position Held

1996 -1998

1999 - 2000

2001-2002

July 2002 to present

Moria Private School

Omaruru Private School

Eldoraigne High School

Enviro Management Consultants

South Africa

Teacher

Head Master

Teacher

Owner

December 2009 to

present

Enviro Management Consultants

Namibia

Owner

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10. Work undertaken that best illustrates capability to handle the tasks assigned:

Name of assignment or

project: Kghapamadi Road upgrade

Main project features: EA – Scoping compilation for listed activity required

Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental

Management Plan compilation.


project: Uitkyk Village – Road construction


Environmental Impact assessment and Environmental



project: D1417 – Road Construction





project: Mafikeng – Extention 14 road upgrade





project: Kghapamadi, upgrading of roads





project: Rundu- Enkurenkuru, upgrading of roads

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Main project features: EMP Compilation and Monitoring


project:

Mantsa and Tshunyane Village, bulk water supply


Environmental Impact assessment.


project: Ledig Village, bulk water supply





project:

Langkloof, bulk water supply

Main project features: Environmental Assessment: Scoping compilation for listed

activity required Environmental Impact assessment and

Environmental Management Plan compilation.


project:

North West Province Hospital bulk water supply and

sewage management





project:

Delareyville Sewage Plant upgrade




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project:

One and Ten Village VIP toilets construction





project: Mogogelo Village - VIP toilets construction

Main project features: Environmental Assessment: Scoping compilation for

listed activity required Environmental Impact

assessment and Environmental Management Plan

compilation.


project: Ledig Hospital sewage plant





project: Nietverdient SAPS Sewage Treatment Plant


activity required Environmental Impact assessment .


project: Mathukuthela Village 22kVA network




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project: Tweelaagte Village 33kVA network





project: Taiwan Village 22kVA network





project: Mmakaepea Village 22kVA network





project: Rustenburg bulk fuel storage (200 000 liter)

Main project features: Environmental Assessment: Basic Assessment compilation

for listed activity required Environmental Impact


compilation.


project: Bultfontein bulk fuel storage (220 000 liter)

Main project features: Environmental Assessment: Basic Assessment compilation

for listed activity required Environmental Impact


compilation.

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project:

Upgrading for the ENGEN group of four bulk fuel depots:

- Otjiwarongo, Usakos, Sesriem, Khorixas

Main project features: Environmental Assessment and Environmental



project:

Mining Right Application – Dormell Properties

Main project features: Mining right application which involves the following:

- Public Participation Process; Scoping Phase; EIA Phase; EMP Compilation; Specialist Project Management


project: Hernic Ferrochrome Mine Mining Right Application


- Public Participation Process; Scoping Phase; EIA Phase; EMP Compilation;

Specialist Project Management


project: Kameeldrift Mining right application


- Scoping Phase; EIA Phase; EMP Compilation;


project: Boekenhoutkloof Mining right application




project: Ngqura Brick – EMPR Revision

Main project features: Environmental Management Program revision and

update.

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project: Pretoria Bricks

Main project features: Environmental Management Program revision and

update.


project: Leeufontein Stene Mining Right Application





project: Corridor Stene Mining Right Application





project: Karibib Portland Cement Mining Right Application




project:

Namibia China Mineral Resources Investment and

Development – Uranium EPL

Main project features: Compilation of the EIA and EMP for the prospecting

operation.


project: WG WEARNE Group: Platkop Mining Right Application



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project: Goedehoop Stene CC Mining Right Application





project: Navacab Gold Mine – Anomaly 16 extention of mine

Main project features: - Risk assessment; EIA Compilation


project: Simanya Lodge

Main project features: Environmental Assessment and EMP.


project: Performance Assessments on approved EMP‘s

Main project features: Performance Assessments (Environmental Audits) needs

to be done on a bi-anual basis at various mines accross

South Africa. This includes a site visit to each site to

determine the level of complience with regards to the

approved EMP’s. After the site visit a Performance

Assessment was drated and all the shortcomings of the

mitigation measures (as per EMP) was identified and a

Activity List compiled to ensure proper implimentation of

the EMP (rectification actions).


project: Performance Assessment on approved EMP

Main project features: Performance Assessments (Environmental Audits) is

being conducted on regular intevals to ensure proper

implementation of the EMP.

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project: Performance Assessment on approved EMP

Main project features: Performance Assessments (Environmental Audits) is

being conducted on regular intevals to ensure proper

implementation of the EMP.


project:

Construction of 5 State Veterenary Offices: Outapi,

Omuthiya, Eenhana, Okakarara and Epukiro.

Main project features: - EIA; EMP; Performance Assessment


project:

Okahandja – Karibib road construction (from km 77 –

Karibib)

Main project features: Compilation of the EIA and EMP as well as Performance

Assessments on the EMP.


project:

Construction of labour base roads – DR 3657 and DR

3649




project:

Construction of labour base roads – DR 3427, DR3448

and DR 3449




project:

Construction of labour base roads – DR 3671 and DR

3672




project:

Upgrading of NBC infrastructure – Digital Terrestrial

Television Infrastructure Rollout.

Main project features: Compilation of the EIA‘s and EMP‘s as well as

Performance Assessments on the EMP.

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project: Upgrading of the Roads Authority Environmental Manual

Main project features: The revision of the current Roads Authority

Environmental Manual to get in line with the current

Namibian Environmnetal Law and procedures.


project:

Feasibility Study for the partial improvement of Trunk Road 2/1(the coastal road) and upgrading to bitumen surfaced standard of Main Road 44(the inland road) between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund

Main project features: Conducting the EIA process and EMP compilation for this

project.


project: Review of the basic planning for TR9/1 & TR6/1Windhoek to Hosea Kutako Airport Future Southern Bypass and Freeway


project.


project: Feasibility Study for the Aus – Bethanie – Walvis Bay road link.


project.


project: Construction of labor base roads – DR 3657 and DR 3649


project. Conducting the Environmental Performance

Assessment (Environement Auditing) for the duration of

the project.


project: The construction of the Otjinene – Grootfontein road. Upgrading and re-alignment to bitumen standard.




the project.

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project: The construction of DR3508 in the Zambezi Region.




the project.


project: Construction of a water pipeline at Omuntele and King Kauluma – Oshana Region




the project.


project: The construction of DR3608 in the Northern Parts of Namibia.




the project.


project: Construction of Freeway between Windhoek and Okahandja




the project.


project: The construction of road between Gobabis and Aranos




the project.

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project: The construction of road between Oranjemund and Rosh Pinah.




the project.


project: De-bushing and De-mining project for the northern border of Namibia between Bagani and Katima Mulilo.




the project.


project: Feasibility study for the possible rehabilitation options for the road between Gobabis and Buitepos.


project.


project: Township establishment for Many Hills and Baumgartsbrunn West. Khomas Region.


project.

11. References:

Contact person Firm Telephone E-mail

Mr. B Boshoff VKE Namibia +264 (061) 237642 [email protected]

Mr. H Kotze Element Cons Engin +264 (061) 309 416 [email protected]

Mrs. K Harlander WML Cons Engineers +264 (61) 220 285 [email protected]

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environmental scoping assessment report...

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