Environmental Assessment for the Preservation

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Environmental Assessment for the Preservation and Rehabilitation of Trunk Roads 8/2 and 8/3 (TR0802 and TR0803): Taranaki, Mururani Gate to Rundu in the Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa Regions

Scoping Report Version – Final GCS Project Number: 19-0640 16 January 2020

Proponent: Roads Authority

Prepared for: Aurecon

GCS (Pty) Ltd. Reg No: 2006/717 Est.2008 Offices: Durban Johannesburg Lusaka Ostrava Pretoria Windhoek www.gcs-na.biz Director: AC Johnstone Roads Authority TR8/2 AND 8/3 ROAD REHABILITATION

Scoping Report

Version – Final

16 January 2020

Roads Authority

19-0640

DOCUMENT ISSUE STATUS

Report Issue Final

GCS Reference Number GCS Ref – 19-0640

Client Reference N/A

Environmental Assessment for the Preservation and Rehabilitation of Trunk Roads 8/2 and 8/3 (TR0802 and TR0803): Title Taranaki, Mururani Gate to Rundu in the Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa Regions

Name Signature Date

Author 1 Stephanie Strauss December 2019

Document Reviewer Sharon Meyer December 2019

LEGAL NOTICE This report or any proportion thereof and any associated documentation remain the property of GCS until the mandator effects payment of all fees and disbursements due to GCS in terms of the GCS Conditions of Contract and Project Acceptance Form. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, any reproduction, duplication, copying, adaptation, editing, change, disclosure, publication, distribution, incorporation, modification, lending, transfer, sending, delivering, serving or broadcasting must be authorised in writing by GCS.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Roads Authority of Namibia (the Proponent) proposes to undertake a feasibility study for the preservation and rehabilitation of Trunk Roads 8/2 and 8/3 (TR0802 and TR0803): Taranaki, Mururani Gate to Rundu stretching across the Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa Regions.

The need for rehabilitation of the road has been determined by the deteriorating condition of said road. As such, the proponent identified the need to investigate the feasibility of rehabilitating the road to fulfil its mission of achieving a safe and efficient national road network in Namibia. The feasibility study further aims to determine possible sources for material (borrow pits) which will be needed for the road rehabilitation activities.

The subject road is approximately 173 km long and extends from Grootfontein to Rundu. The road starts 3 km south of the Taranaki Farm entrance gate and ends at the Rundu Town main junction (Aurecon, 2019). The first portion of the road, TR0802, is in the Otjozondjupa Region. TR0803 is situated mostly in the Kavango West region with a small section at Rundu in the Kavango East region.

This report documents the assessment of potential impacts from the proposed activity. The preliminary findings within this Scoping Report indicate that potential impacts will be of a low significance. These potential impacts can be further mitigated by implementation of an effective Environmental Management Plan.

Based on the information provided in this report, GCS is confident the identified risks associated with the proposed development can be reduced to acceptable levels, should the measures recommended in the EMP be implemented and monitored effectively. It is therefore recommended that the project receive Environmental Clearance, provided that the EMP be implemented.

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CONTENTS PAGE

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2 THE NEED FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) ...... 4 2.1 PROJECT TEAM ...... 6 2.2 NEED AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROJECT ...... 6 2.3 SCOPE OF WORK ...... 7 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 8 3.1 ROAD CHARACTERISTICS ...... 8 3.2 DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY ...... 9 3.2.1 Feasibility Study ...... 9 3.2.2 Materials and Borrow Pits ...... 10 3.2.3 Resources and Working Team ...... 22 3.2.4 Infrastructure and Services ...... 22 4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ...... 23 4.3.1 Water ...... 23 4.3.2 Sewage...... 24 4.3.3 Materials ...... 24 4.4 CONCLUSIONS ON THE CONSIDERED ALTERNATIVES ...... 25 5 LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...... 26 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE ...... 34 6.1 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 34 6.1.1 Climate ...... 34 6.1.2 Topography, Soils and Geology...... 34 6.1.3 Hydrology and Hydrogeology ...... 36 6.1.4 Fauna and Flora ...... 37 6.2 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 40 7 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 42 7.1 OBJECTIVE: ...... 42 7.2 APPROACH: ...... 42 7.2.1 Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) ...... 42 7.2.2 Communication with I&APs ...... 43 8 IMPACTS IDENTIFICATION, DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT ...... 45 8.2 PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 48 8.2.1 Impact Assessment of Biodiversity Loss ...... 48 8.2.2 Impact Assessment of Dust Generation ...... 48 8.2.3 Impact Assessment of Noise Generation ...... 49 8.3 CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 50 8.3.1 Impact Assessment on Environmental Degradation ...... 50 8.3.2 Impact Assessment of Waste Generation ...... 51 8.3.3 Impact Assessment of Soil and Groundwater ...... 51 8.3.4 Impact Assessment of Dust Generation ...... 52 8.3.5 Impact Assessment of Noise Generation ...... 53 8.3.6 Impact Assessment of Archaeological and Heritage Resources ...... 54 8.3.7 Impact Assessment of disturbance to local community members and businesses ...... 54 8.3.8 Impact Assessment of Temporary Employment Creation ...... 55 8.3.9 Impact Assessment of Health and Safety...... 55 9 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION ...... 57 9.1 CONCLUSION ...... 57 9.2 RECOMMENDATION ...... 59

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10 REFERENCES ...... 60

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1: Location of TR0802 and TR0803 Roads...... 5 Figure 3-1: Project roads life cycle...... 9 Figure 3-2: Possible Borrow Pits...... 11 Figure 3-3: Google Earth Image of BP1...... 13 Figure 3-4: Site Photo of BP1...... 14 Figure 3-5: Site Photo of BP1...... 14 Figure 3-6: Google Earth Image of BP2...... 15 Figure 3-7: Site Photo of BP2...... 16 Figure 3-8: Google Earth Image of BP3...... 17 Figure 3-9: Site Photo of BP3...... 18 Figure 3-10: Site Photo of BP3...... 18 Figure 3-11: Google Earth Image of BP4...... 19 Figure 3-12: Site Photo of BP4 ...... 20 Figure 3-13: Map showing location of BP4 in a high level tourism and wildlife zone...... 21 Figure 6-1: Geology of Namibia ...... 34 Figure 6-2: Dominant soils in Namibia...... 35 Figure 6-3: Site Geology showing largely sandy soil...... 36 Figure 6-4: Groundwater basins and hydrogeological regions in Namibia...... 36 Figure 6-5: Trees Along the Road...... 38 Figure 6-6: Animals observed along the road section...... 39 Figure 6-7: Fruits sold along the road segment...... 41

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1: Sections within Scoping Report ...... 7 Table 3-1: Subject Road Details ...... 9 Table 3-2: Possible Borrow Pits ...... 10 Table 4-1: Potential water sources ...... 24 Table 5-1: Applicable and relevant Namibian and international legislations, policies and guidelines conducted during the EA process ...... 27 Table 7-1: Summary of Identified IAPs ...... 43 Table 8-1: Extent or spatial impact rating ...... 45 Table 8-2: Duration impact rating ...... 46 Table 8-3: Intensity, magnitude or severity impact rating ...... 46 Table 8-4: Probability of occurrence impact rating ...... 46 Table 8-5: Significance rating scale ...... 47 Table 8-6: Assessment of the impacts on biodiversity loss...... 48 Table 8-7: Assessment of the impacts of dust generation ...... 49 Table 8-8:Assessment of the impacts of noise generation ...... 49 Table 8-9: Assessment of the impacts on environmental degradation ...... 50 Table 8-10: Assessment of the impacts on waste generation ...... 51 Table 8-11: Assessment of the impacts on soil and groundwater ...... 52 Table 8-12: Assessment of the impacts of dust generation ...... 52 Table 8-13: Assessment of the impacts of noise generation ...... 53 Table 8-14: Assessment of the impacts on archaeological and heritage resources ...... 54 Table 8-15: Assessment of the impacts on disturbance to local community members and businesses ...... 54 Table 8-16: Assessment of the impacts of temporary employment creation ...... 55 Table 8-17: Assessment of the impacts on health and safety ...... 55

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LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: CV’S –SHARON MEYER AND STEPHANIE STRAUSS ...... 61 APPENDIX B: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) ...... 62 APPENDIX C: LIST OF INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES ...... 63 APPENDIX D: BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT ...... 64 APPENDIX E: NEWSPAPER ADVERTS ...... 65 APPENDIX F: NOTIFICATION EMAILS AND LETTERS ...... 66 APPENDIX G: MEETING MINUTES AND ATTENDANCE REGISTERS ...... 67 APPENDIX H: PROOF OF SITE NOTICES ...... 68 APPENDIX I: COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT AND COMMENTS RECEIVED ...... 69

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1 INTRODUCTION

The Roads Authority of Namibia (the Proponent) is undertaking a feasibility study for the preservation and rehabilitation of Trunk Roads 8/2 and 8/3 (TR0802 and TR0803): Taranaki, Mururani Gate to Rundu stretching across the Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa Regions.

The need for the rehabilitation of the road has been determined by the deteriorating condition of said road. As such, the proponent identified the need to investigate the feasibility of rehabilitating the road to fulfil its mission of achieving a safe and efficient national road network in Namibia. The feasibility study further aims to determine possible sources for material (borrow pits) which will be needed for the road rehabilitation activities.

2 THE NEED FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA)

Under the 2012 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of the Environmental Management Act (EMA) No. 7 of 2007, the proposed development is a listed activity that may not be undertaken without an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). This activity is listed under the following relevant sections:

• 3.2 Other forms of mining or extraction of any natural resources whether regulated by law or not.

• 3.3 Resource extraction, manipulation, conservation and related activities.

• 10.1 The construction of (b) public roads;

• 10.2 The route determination of roads and design of associated physical infrastructure where -

(a) it is a public road;

(b) the road reserve is wider than 30 meters; or

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Figure 2-1: Location of TR0802 and TR0803 Roads.

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2.1 Project Team The Roads Authority has appointed Aurecon-Om’Kumoh Consulting Engineers-JV as the engineers to conduct the feasibility study. Aurecon Namibia (Aurecon hereafter) subsequently appointed GCS Water and Environmental Engineering Namibia (Pty) Ltd (GCS Namibia hereafter), on behalf of the Roads Authority, as the independent environmental consultant conducting the EA for the proposed activity.

Stephanie Strauss, a qualified Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) conducted this EA process under the supervision of Sharon Meyer, a qualified and experienced Senior Environmental Scientist. The CV’s of the consultants are attached as Appendix A at the end of this report.

2.2 Need and Desirability of the Project The Roads Authority has identified the need for this project as the project road has surpassed its intended design life and has thus been identified for preservation or rehabilitation. The project road was constructed around 1980 and was rehabilitated between 2003 and 2005 (Aurecon, 2019). The proponent thus aims to extend the life of the road by significantly improving the road pavement condition and riding quality to ensure that the road is safer and more comfortable for the road user (Aurecon, 2019).

During the initial site visit the following issues were brought to the attention of the project team which require further investigation during the feasibility study:

• Traffic congestion at the Rundu town entrance road;

• Access roads from the TR0803 in Rundu residential areas are limited and mostly informal;

• A water pipeline is present on the western side of the road, however there is no provision made for sleeves under the road to facilitate the pipelines passing beneath the road;

• Rest areas are not optimally utilised, they are vandalised and used for other recreational activities;

• No bus stops for schools and clinics along the road;

• Water ponding experienced at km76 indicates the possible requirement of a culvert; and

• At Mururani Gate, a bypass for abnormal vehicles should be considered due to the height restriction posed by the shed.

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The issues which have been identified will be further investigated as the feasibility study progresses. Should possible solutions be found these will be required to be executed during the rehabilitation work.

By investigating the issues on the subject road, the proposed project aims to benefit Namibian road users and assist the Roads Authority in meeting their objective of ensuring safe roads to prosperity. The need for the project is further motivated by:

• The need for road safety and traffic management improvements;

• The need to identify and address drainage problems; and

• The need to investigate the condition of existing structures and identify associated upgrade requirements (Aurecon, 2019).

The subject road is of local and regional importance as it forms part of the Trans Caprivi Highway which links Walvis Bay to neighbouring countries such as Angola and Zambia and links the North Eastern parts of Namibia with central Namibia. As such the rehabilitation of the road is needed in order to improve the condition on the road so that it can be utilised by road users for the next 25 years.

2.3 Scope of Work This scoping study was carried out in accordance with the Environmental Management Act (EMA) (7 of 2007) and its 2012 EIA Regulations (GG No. 4878 GN No. 30).

After submitting an application for ECC to the DEA, the first stage in the EA process is to submit a scoping report. This report provides the following:

Table 2-1: Sections within Scoping Report Description Section of the Report

The need and desirability of the proposed project Subchapter 1.2

Project description and the need for it Chapter 2

Alternatives considered for the proposed project in terms of no- Chapter 3 go option, design, and natural resources.

The relevant laws and guidelines pertaining to the proposed Chapter 4 project

Baseline environment in which the proposed activity will be Chapter 5 undertaken

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Description Section of the Report

The public consultation process followed (as described in Chapter 6 Regulation 7 of the EMA Act), whereby interested and affected parties (I&APs) and relevant authorities are identified, informed of the proposed activity and provided with a reasonable opportunity to give their concerns and opinions on the project

The identification of potential impacts, impacts description, Chapter 7 assessment, mitigation measures and recommendations

Recommendations and Conclusions to the report Chapter 8

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Roads Authority of Namibia is undertaking a feasibility study to determine the type of preservation or rehabilitation actions required to extend the service life of the TR0802 and TR0803 roads and to identify viable options for these actions. The project further aims to identify the potential economic, environmental and social impacts that the proposed road rehabilitation may have on the surrounding environment and people. The feasibility study will be conducted over a period of 12 months (June 2019 until June 2020) after which the detailed design and construction of the road will commence, depending on the availability of funding.

3.1 Road Characteristics The subject road is a bitumen-surfaced road and commences at the Taranaki Farm Gate proceeding in a north-easterly direction to the main junction at the entrance of Rundu town. The project road is approximately 173 km in length. The road is generally flat with some hilly terrain within the Otjozondjupa Region. There are limited drainage structures located along the road and no bridges. Some district and access roads connect to the project road. The subject road details are stipulated in Table 3-1 below.

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Table 3-1: Subject Road Details Length of road 173 km

Road reserve 60 m

Kavango East, Kavango West and Regional Administration: Otjozondjupa Regional Council

Towns serviced by road Grootfontein and Rundu

3.2 Description of Activity 3.2.1 Feasibility Study Each road within the country under the jurisdiction of the Roads Authority has a project life cycle as outlined in Figure 3-1 below. This ranges from pre-feasibility to closure/decommissioning of a road. The subject road is currently within the feasibility stage for proposed rehabilitation. The feasibility study forms the first phase of the rehabilitation project and will provide suitable and cost-effective solutions for the viability of preserving or rehabilitating the project road. The study aims to assess the existing condition of the road in order to determine which areas are a matter for concern and to generate alternative solutions accordingly. As such the engineering, social, economic and environmental aspects that relate to the proposed rehabilitation will be investigated in order to provide sufficient and accurate information regarding the proposed rehabilitation.

Figure 3-1: Project roads life cycle.

The detailed design and construction phases for the rehabilitation of the road will only commence at a later stage, dependant on the findings of the feasibility study and whether funding is made available.

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3.2.2 Materials and Borrow Pits

The feasibility study is inclusive of assessing possible sources of material which will be needed during rehabilitation. The possible use of existing borrow pits has been assessed and tests are ongoing to determine what material will be needed and is available in the subject area. The materials to be used and where they will be sourced from will only be defined during the detailed design phase. The section below assesses the potential borrow pits identified at this stage but is not an exhaustive list of potential sources (additional sources may be included depending on the results of the tests being conducted). The section below further outlines which of the preliminarily identified borrow pits are to be avoided and where quarrying is not recommended.

During the initial site visit, four borrow pits were identified which could possibly be utilised. These are outlined in Table 3-2 and Figure 3-2 below.

Table 3-2: Possible Borrow Pits Borrow pit Latitude Longitude BP1 along DR3425 -17.978919 19.738730 BP2 -18.266553 19.388894 BP3 -18.570395 19.127764 BP4 -18.690656 19.030542

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Figure 3-2: Possible Borrow Pits.

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3.2.2.1 Site Description – BP1 along DR3425

BP1 is located within the Ncuncuni Constituency in a previously disturbed area. The borrow pit is located near homesteads and fields of local communities. Access to the borrow pit is obtained via district road D3425. Should there be need to extend the borrow pit it would encroach on the homesteads nearby and the community members would need to be compensated for lost land. A thorough investigation would need to be conducted to determine the significance of the vegetation and animals on site.

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Figure 3-3: Google Earth Image of BP1.

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Figure 3-4: Site Photo of BP1.

Figure 3-5: Site Photo of BP1.

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3.2.2.2 Site Description – BP2

BP2 is located approximately 3 km along a road heading west from the TR8/3 road. The area has been disturbed by the opening of the borrow pit, however the surrounding area is populated with many trees. The site may accommodate significant trees, which may not be removed without a permit from the local Directorate of Forestry. Thus, should the borrow pit be extended it could potentially impact vegetation within the footprint.

Figure 3-6: Google Earth Image of BP2.

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Figure 3-7: Site Photo of BP2.

3.2.2.3 Site Description – BP3

BP3 connects with an access road to the TR8/3 road. The area has generally been disturbed with the current borrow pit which has become quite large. Few trees remain in the area and thus not much vegetation is found within the footprint. The borrow pit appears to have been significantly used and rehabilitation may be difficult as there is limited overburden and topsoil left behind.

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Figure 3-8: Google Earth Image of BP3.

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Figure 3-9: Site Photo of BP3.

Figure 3-10: Site Photo of BP3.

3.2.2.4 Site Description – BP4

BP4 is located close to the main road along an access road to the Mangetti National Park. In terms of land use, this area is earmarked for the Mangetti National Park and related development as depicted in Figure 3-11 below. Thus, the area is not suitable to be utilized for material sourcing. National Park regulations hold within this area and state that “only eco-tourism enterprises are to be permitted, no irrigation, sand mining and mining will be permitted” (Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, 2015a). The surrounding area is generally an undisturbed area and thus the borrow pit is visually unpleasant within the area.

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Figure 3-11: Google Earth Image of BP4.

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Figure 3-12: Site Photo of BP4

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Approximate location of BP4

Figure 3-13: Map showing location of BP4 in a high level tourism and wildlife zone (Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, 2015a).

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Figure 3-13 above depicts the tourism and conservation zones within the area as per the Integrated Land Use Plan (IRLUP) for the Kavango West Region (2015). In terms of the IRLUP for the Kavango West Region the mining of sand is not permitted in these high-level (indicated with red outline on the map), medium level (indicated with green outline on the map) and tourism areas (indicated as yellow on the map). As such these areas should be avoided as far as possible.

3.2.3 Resources and Working Team

Rehabilitation activities will be undertaken by a contractor appointed by the Roads Authority. It is anticipated that the workforce will be housed in temporary site camps throughout the road rehabilitation period.

3.2.4 Infrastructure and Services

Water will be required for the proposed development. The water sources to be utilised during the rehabilitation work are not defined yet and will only be explored during the detailed design phase. Potential water sources include water abstracted from the Kavango River, boreholes and Rundu Town water supply. Use of these sources would depend on the amount of water required during construction which is not known at this stage.

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4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Alternatives are defined as: “different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity” (Environmental Management Act (2007) of Namibia (and its regulations (2012)). This chapter will highlight the different ways in which the project can be undertaken and identify the alternative that will be the most practical but least damaging to the environment.

4.1 No-Go alternative

The “No-Go” alternative is the option of not proceeding with the activity, which typically implies a continuation of the status quo. This would mean that the proposed rehabilitation will not commence for the subject road. Should the proposed project be discontinued, none of the potential impacts (positive and negative) identified would occur. Therefore, the road condition will remain unchanged and would not be improved.

In considering the proposed project, the ‘no-go’ option cannot be the preferred alternative.

4.2 Design alternatives

The detailed design for the proposed rehabilitation will only commence after the feasibility study has been completed. As such, at this stage alternatives in terms of the design cannot be assessed. However, due to this project being a rehabilitation of an existing road, with activities taking place within an existing road reserve, it is unlikely that design alternatives will significantly change potential impact significance.

4.3 Resources alternatives

4.3.1 Water

Water will be required for the proposed development. As mentioned previously the water sources to be utilised during the rehabilitation work are not defined yet and will only be explored during the detailed design phase. Potential water sources include water abstracted from the Kavango River, boreholes and Rundu Town water supply. The table below outlines a comparison of the alternatives considered as water sources. At this stage the amount of water required is not known and would be an integral factor to determine which water source would be best suited for utilisation.

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Table 4-1: Potential water sources Water Source Details

Rundu Town Services • Permission from Town Council to utilize water

• Water would have to be trucked to where it is required (longer distance from town to end of the road)

Boreholes • Good quality water

• High groundwater availability in the region

• Permit required to utilise/abstract water

• Need permission from owner of borehole to utilise the water

Kavango River • Permit required to utilise/abstract water

• Large distance to haul water to the end of the road

4.3.2 Sewage

During construction sewage will be generated at the offices and accommodation sites (if on site). The following alternatives are presented to be considered for sewage treatment during construction:

• Connection to municipal system- Due to the length of road not being connected to major towns, connection to the municipal sewer system will not be possible.

• Chemical toilet – These are frequently used on construction sites. They require the use of chemicals to minimise odour. They use a limited amount of water as they do not require flushing after each use.

• Dry composting toilet-These are dry or waterless sanitation systems that treat human excreta through a biological process called composting. They therefore do not require the use of chemicals. They also do not require any water or electricity to operate.

4.3.3 Materials

Borrow pits are proposed to be utilized to source material for the proposed rehabilitation. These have been preliminarily identified and are located mostly within the Kavango West Region. Tests are ongoing to determine what material will be needed and what is available. The materials to be used and the location they will be sourced from will only be defined during the detailed design phase. The borrow pits should be located near the subject road to reduce the cost of hauling. Should the necessary materials not be available in the subject area, the material would have to be transported from elsewhere.

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4.4 Conclusions on the Considered Alternatives The alternatives considered for the project are summarized as follow:

• No-go vs. continuation of the proposed project: The no-go alternative is not considered to be the preferred option. Should the proposed project be discontinued, none of the potential impacts (positive and negative) identified would occur. Therefore, the road condition will remain unchanged and would not be improved.

• Project design: The detailed design for the proposed rehabilitation will only commence after the feasibility study has been completed. As such, alternatives in terms of the design cannot be assessed at this stage. However, due to this project being a rehabilitation of an existing road, with activities taking place within an existing road reserve, it is unlikely that design alternatives will significantly change potential impact significance. • Water Resources: Potential water sources include abstraction from the Kavango River, boreholes and Rundu Town water supply. At this stage, the amount of water required is not known but is an integral factor to determine which water source would be best suited. As mentioned previously, the water sources to be utilised during the rehabilitation work are not defined yet and will only be explored during the detailed design phase. A comparison of potential water sources is provided. • Sewage: During construction sewage will be generated at the offices and accommodation sites (if on site). A connection to the municipal sewer treatment system is not possible due to the road being located far from any town. Chemical toilets are often used on construction sites and require the use of chemicals to minimise odour. They use a limited amount of water as they do not require flushing after each use. Composting toilets are often preferred as they do not require any water or electricity to operate and do not make use of any chemicals. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the most suitable sewage treatment is selected during construction, which will have the least impact on the surrounding environment. • Materials: It is proposed that approved borrow pits be utilized to source material for rehabilitation of the road. The borrow pits located in close proximity to the subject road are preferred to reduce hauling costs. Tests are ongoing to determine what material will be needed and what is available. The materials to be used and location they will be sourced from will only be defined during the detailed design phase.

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5 LEGAL FRAMEWORK

A review of applicable and relevant Namibian legislation, policies and guidelines to the proposed development are given in this chapter. This review serves to inform the Proponent (Roads Authority), Interested and Affected Parties and the decision makers at the DEA of the requirements and expectations, as laid out in terms of these instruments, to be fulfilled in order to undertake the road rehabilitation activities.

5.1 The Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2007

This scoping assessment was carried out according to the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (GG No. 4878 GN No. 30). The EMA has stipulated requirements for completing the required documentation in order to obtain an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for permission to undertake certain listed activities.

5.2 The Constitution of Namibia Act (No 1 of 1990)

Article 91 (c) provides for duty to guard against “the degradation and destruction of ecosystems and failure to protect the beauty and character of Namibia.” Article 95(l) deals with the “maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity” and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources. The proposed development should thus assist in ensuring sustainable development as required by the constitution.

5.3 The Roads Ordinance (No.17 of 1972)

The Roads Ordinance aims to consolidate and amend the laws relating to roads and incidental matters. It sets out the process and regulations for proclaiming, closing, deviating and classifying proclaimed roads. It outlines the provisions for the maintenance and control of traffic of urban and trunk roads. It also allows for the establishment of Roads Boards. The proposed project should align with the regulations regarding the rehabilitation of roads.

The full list of all applicable legislation identified and consulted during the EA process are presented in Table 5-1 below.

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Table 5-1: Applicable and relevant Namibian and international legislations, policies and guidelines conducted during the EA process Legislation/Policy/ Guideline Relevant Provisions Implications for this project

The Constitution of Namibia Act No. 1 of 1990 Article 91 (c) provides for duty to guard against “the The Proponent should ensure compliance with the degradation and destruction of ecosystems and conditions set out in the Act. failure to protect the beauty and character of Namibia.”

Article 95(l) deals with the “maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity” and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources.

Environmental Management Act (EMA) No. 7 of 2007 Requires that projects with significant The EMA and its regulations should inform and guide environmental impacts are subject to an this EA process. environmental assessment process (Section 27).

Details principles which are to guide all EAs.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations Details requirements for public consultation within a GN 28-30 (GG 4878) given environmental assessment process (GN 30 S21).

Details the requirements for what should be included in a Scoping Report (GN 30 S8) and an Assessment Report (GN 30 S15).

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Legislation/Policy/ Guideline Relevant Provisions Implications for this project

Environmental Assessment Policy of Namibia (1995) The Policy seeks to ensure that the environmental This EIA considers this definition of Environment. consequences of development projects and policies are considered, understood and incorporated into the planning process, and that the term ENVIRONMENT is broadly interpreted to include biophysical, social, economic, cultural, historical and political components.

Roads Authority Environmental Manual October 2014 The manual seeks to inform practitioners regarding The EIA should be conducted in line with the the legal and contractual framework within which guidelines within the document. roads must be designed and built and to provide guidance regarding the requirements of the Roads Authority in respect of environmental issues.

The Regional Councils Act (No. 22 of 1992) This Act sets out the conditions under which Regional The relevant Regional Councils are considered to be Councils must be elected and administer each IAPs and must be consulted during the Environmental delineated region. From a land use and project Assessment (EA) process. planning point of view, their duties include, as Local Authorities Act (No. 23 of 1992) The Rundu Town Council is the only affected described in section 28 “to undertake the planning responsible Local Authority of the area in which the of the development of the region for which it has proposed development will be located, and they been established with a view to physical, social and should be consulted for this EA. economic characteristics, urbanisation patterns, natural resources, economic development potential, infrastructure, land utilisation pattern and sensitivity of the natural environment.”

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Legislation/Policy/ Guideline Relevant Provisions Implications for this project

The main objective of this Act is to initiate, supervise, manage and evaluate development.

Public Health Act No. 36 of 1919 Section 119 states that “no person shall cause a The Proponent should ensure that relevant nuisance or shall suffer to exist on any land or regulations set out under this Act are adhered to. premises owned or occupied by him or of which he is in charge any nuisance or other condition liable to be injurious or dangerous to health.”

Health and Safety Regulations GN 156/1997 (GG Details various requirements regarding health and 1617) safety of labourers.

Labour Act (No. 6 of 1992) Ministry of Labour (MOL) aims to ensure harmonious Roads Authority should ensure that during the road labour relations through promoting social justice, rehabilitation, the safety and welfare of workers is occupational health and safety and enhanced labour not compromised. market services for the benefit of all Namibians. This ministry insures effective implementation of the Labour Act no. 6 of 1992.

Roads Ordinance No 17 of 1972 The Ordinance consolidates the laws relating to The proposed road rehabilitation must adhere to all roads. applicable provisions in the Roads Ordinance.

• Section 3.1 deals with width of proclaimed roads and road reserve boundaries

• Section 27.1 is concerned with the control of traffic on urban trunk and main roads

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Legislation/Policy/ Guideline Relevant Provisions Implications for this project

• Section 36.1 regulates rails, tracks, bridges, wires, cables, subways or culverts across or under proclaimed roads

• Section 37.1 deals with Infringements and obstructions on and interference with proclaimed roads.

Road Traffic Ordinance 30 of 1967 The Ordinance governs road traffic comprehensively. The project should consider the impact it will have on road traffic in the subject area.

Roads Authority Act No 17 of 1999 The Act establishes a Roads Authority to manage the The Roads Authority is the proponent for the national road network of Namibia. development.

National Road Safety Act No 9 of 1972 The Act establishes the National Road Safety Council The project should consider the impact it will have and includes provisions intended to promote road on road safety in the subject area. safety

Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) Article 1 lists the conservation of biological diversity The project should consider the impact it will have amongst the objectives of the convention. on the biodiversity of the area.

Water Act No. 54 of 1956 Section 23(1) deals with the prohibition of pollution The pollution of water resources should be avoided of underground and surface water bodies. during construction and operation of the development.

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Legislation/Policy/ Guideline Relevant Provisions Implications for this project

Water Resources Management Act No. 11 of 2013 Part 12 deals with the control and protection of The pollution of water resources should be avoided groundwater during construction and operation of the Part 13 deals with water pollution control development. Should water need to be abstracted, a water abstraction permit will be required from the Ministry of Water, Agriculture and Forestry.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) MET has recently developed a policy on HIV and AIDS. The proponent and its contractor must adhere to the Policy on HIV & AIDS In addition, it has initiated a programme aimed at guidelines provided to manage the aspects of mainstreaming HIV and gender issues into HIV/AIDS. Experience with construction projects has environmental impact assessments. shown that a significant risk is created when migrant construction workers interact with local communities.

National Heritage Act No. 27 of 2004 The Act is aimed at protecting, conserving and All protected heritage resources (e.g. human registering places and objects of heritage remains etc.) discovered, need to be reported significance. immediately to the National Heritage Council (NHC) and require a permit from the NHC before they may be relocated.

Water Quality Guidelines for Drinking Water and Details specific quantities in terms of water quality These guidelines are to be applied when dealing with Wastewater Treatment determinants, to which wastewater should be water and waste treatment. treated before being discharged into the environment.

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Legislation/Policy/ Guideline Relevant Provisions Implications for this project

Forest Act 12 of 2001 and Forest Regulations of 2015 To provide for the establishment of a Forestry Protected tree and plant species as per the Forest Council and the appointment of certain officials; to Act No 12 of 2001 and Forest Regulations of 2015 may consolidate the laws relating to the management and not be removed without a permit from the Ministry use of forests and forest produce; to provide for the of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. protection of the environment and the control and management of forest fires; to repeal the Preservation of Bees and Honey Proclamation, 1923 (Proclamation No. 1of 1923), Preservation of Trees and Forests Ordinance, 1952 (Ordinance No. 37 of 1952) and the Forest Act, 1968 (Act No. 72 of 1968); and to deal with incidental matters.

Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance No 45 of Part II - control of noxious or offensive gases, The development should consider the provisions 1965 outlined in the act. The proponent should apply for Part III - atmospheric pollution by smoke, an Air Emissions permit from the Ministry of Health Part IV - dust control, and and Social Services (if needed). Part V - air pollution by fumes emitted by vehicles.

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Legislation/Policy/ Guideline Relevant Provisions Implications for this project

Hazardous Substance Ordinance 14 of 1974 To provide for the control of substances which may The handling, usage and storage of hazardous cause injury or ill-health to or death of human beings substances on site should be carefully controlled by reason of their toxic, corrosive, irritant, strongly according to this Ordinance. sensitizing or flammable nature or the generation of pressure thereby in certain circumstances; to provide for the division of such substances into groups in relation to the degree of danger; to provide for the prohibition and control of the importation, manufacture, sale, use, operation, application, modification, disposal or dumping of such substances; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

Soil Conservation Act No 76 of 1969 Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to the The proposed activity should ensure that soil erosion combating and prevention of soil erosion, the and soil pollution is avoided during construction and conservation, improvement and manner of use of the operation. soil and vegetation and the protection of the water sources

The environmental baseline (features) of the project area and the surrounding areas are presented and discussed in the following chapter.

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6 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE

The proposed project will be undertaken in a specific biophysical and social environment. The baseline conditions of these environmental features are described in the following subchapters. The baseline conditions are described for the subject area which is the area/region through which the project road traverses. Only a small section of the road is located within the Kavango East Region, as such the baseline description is mostly concentrated on the Kavango West and Otjozondjupa Regions.

6.1 Biophysical Environment

6.1.1 Climate

The climate of the subject area can be described as a local steppe climate. Average annual temperatures range between 20°C and 22 °C, with the maximum temperatures being between 30°C and 36 °C and the minimum temperatures between 4°C and 6 °C (Mendelsohn, Jarvis, Roberts & Roberston, 2002). The subject area generally experiences more rainfall than the south and west of the country, with average rainfall varying between 400 and 500mm.

6.1.2 Topography, Soils and Geology

The Kavango West Region forms part of the Kalahari and Namib Sands geological division. The Grootfontein area, within the Otjozondjupa Region, forms part of the Grootfontein Metamorphic Complex with the dominant rock type being complex (Mendelsohn et al., 2002). The surrounding geology within which the road segment traverses belongs to the Kalahari Major Geological division as depicted in Figure 6-1 below.

Figure 6-1: Geology of Namibia (http://www.uni- koeln.de/sfb389/e/e1/download/atlas_namibia/pics/physical/geology.jpg).

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The dominant soils in the broader subject area are characterized as Ferralic Arenosols as depicted in Figure 6-2 below. These are high in concentrations of combined oxides of iron and aluminium and are formed from wind-blown sand. Sand thus makes up about 70% of the soil with the rest consisting of clay and silt (Mendelsohn et al., 2002). Figure 6-3 below depicts some soils present along the subject road section.

Figure 6-2: Dominant soils in Namibia (http://www.uni- koeln.de/sfb389/e/e1/download/atlas_namibia/pics/physical/dominant-soils.jpg).

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Figure 6-3: Site Geology showing largely sandy soil.

6.1.3 Hydrology and Hydrogeology

The Okavango-Epukiro groundwater region encompasses the Kavango Regions, the eastern part of the Otjozondjupa Region and the northern Omaheke Region as depicted in Figure 6- 4 below. Groundwater reserves in the Kavango and north west parts of the Otjozondjupa Regions are hosted in Kalahari aquifers which hold water in intergranular pore spaces (Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural Development, 2011).

Figure 6-4: Groundwater basins and hydrogeological regions in Namibia

(Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural Development, 2011).

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Within the Otjozondjupa Region, water points are more dispersed in the north-eastern part of the region than other areas of the region, due to poor groundwater availability in the north eastern areas. There are water schemes located at Roodaghek and Mururani gate which are used for veterinary border posts.

The most important water source in the Kavango West region is the perennial Kavango River, which is the major source of water for the rural communities concentrated along the river (Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, 2015b). Boreholes and dug-wells are concentrated along the Kavango River, the Omatako Valley and the main roads from Grootfontein to Rundu (Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural Development, 2011). In addition, abstraction from the Kavango River provides water to Nkurenkuru Town, other smaller towns and agricultural schemes within the region.

6.1.4 Fauna and Flora

The majority of the vegetation along the section of road in the Kavango West Region is Kalahari woodland, which comprises broad-leafed, deciduous woodland trees (Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, 2015b). Larger, deep-rooted trees such as the teak (Baikiaea plurijuga) and Mangetti (Schinziophyton rautanenii) dominate in deep sands, whereas shrubs and grasses are supported within shallower soils (Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, 2015b).

The vegetation along the section of road in the Otjozondjupa Region is classified as Karstveld, which is dominated by the presence of woodlands (Mendelsohn et al., 2002). The Grootfontein area is dominated by dense woodland located on the dolomite hills in the area.

Protected tree species common in the subject area include the Burkea (Burkea Africana), Corkey -Monkey Orange (Strychnos cocculoides), Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis), Mangetti (Schinziophyton rautennii), Ushivi (Guibourtia coleosperma) and Zambezi Teak (Baikiaea plurijuga. These trees should be preserved during the proposed road rehabilitation and may not be removed without a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Figure 6-5 depicts some of the trees observed along the subject road.

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Burkea (Burkea Africana) Ushivi (Guibourtia coleosperma) Protected species Protected species

Ushivi (Guibourtia coleosperma) Protected species

Figure 6-5: Trees Along the Road.

There is limited wildlife found within the Kavango West Region, with the exception of the Mangetti National Park (Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, 2015b). In the Otjozondjupa

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Region, wildlife is more prominent therefore game viewing and game drives are very popular activities in the region. Animals observed along the road section include livestock such as goats, cattle and donkeys as outlined in Figure 6-6 below.

Figure 6-6: Animals observed along the road section.

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6.2 Social Environment

6.2.1 Social Demographics

6.2.1.1 Population

According to Namibia Statistics Agency (2014), the population of Kavango West Region is 86,529 people and that of the Otjozondjupa Region is 143,903 people.

6.2.1.2 Education

The literacy rate for the Kavango West Region is 77.3% (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2014) and 83% for the Otjozondjupa Region in comparison to the national average of 89%. The statistics for the Kavango Region show that more than 58% of children over the age of 15 left school while 21% of children over the age of 15 years have never attended school (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2013). For the Otjozondjupa Region 52% of the children over age 15 years left school and 18% never attended school this is much higher both regions than the national average of 13% (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2011).

6.2.1.3 Traffic

The traffic data from 2018 indicates that TR0802 accommodates light vehicles and 253 heavy vehicles whereas TR0803 accommodates 870 light vehicles and 230 heavy vehicles(Aurecon, 2019). The percentage heavy vehicle traffic increased for both road segments as follows: TR0802 heavily vehicles increased from 24.6% in 2008 to 38% in 2018. TR0802 heavy vehicles increased to 20.8% in 2016(Aurecon, 2019).

6.2.2 Economy

Farming is the main source of income in the Kavango West Region (61.01%), whereas in the Otjozondjupa Region, most income is sourced through wages and salaries (60%). Along the road people sell fruits and crafts as a source of income as depicted in Figure 6-7 below.

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Figure 6-7: Fruits sold along the road segment.

6.2.3 Land Use

The Kavango West and Otjozondjupa Regions are dominantly agricultural regions. The agricultural activities within these areas consist mostly of crop and livestock farming.

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7 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

7.1 Objective: Public consultation forms an important component of an Environmental Assessment (EA) process. Public consultation provides potential Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) with an opportunity to comment on and raise any issues relevant to the project for consideration as part of the assessment process. Public consultation has been done in accordance with both the EMA and its EIA Regulations.

The public consultation process assists the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) in identifying all potential impacts and to what extent further investigations are needed. Public consultation can also aid in the process of identifying possible mitigations measures.

7.2 Approach:

7.2.1 Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs)

An I&P is identified under the Environmental Management Act (2007) as:

• (a) “Any person, group of persons or organization interested in or affected by an activity; and

• (b) Any organ of state that may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity”.

GCS identified specific I&APs, whom were considered interested in and/or affected by the proposed activities through the following means:

• Information for the applicable local authorities was obtained from the existing GCS stakeholder database;

• Notification letters and/or emails were sent to those possibly interested and affected by the proposed project; and

• Notices were placed in the local newspapers requesting any potentially affected or interested members of the public to register as I&APs.

A summary of the I&APs identified are presented in Table 7-1. The complete list of I&APs is provided in Appendix C.

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Table 7-1: Summary of Identified IAPs Description

Ministry of Environment and Tourism

Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa Regional Council

Ngamagoro, Ncuncuni, Mankumpi and Grootfontein

Constituency

Rundu Town Council

Community Members Listof IAPs

7.2.2 Communication with I&APs

Regulation 21 of the EIA Regulations details steps to be taken during a given public consultation process and these have been used in guiding this process.

Communication with I&APs about the proposed development was facilitated through the following means and in this order:

• Meetings were held with the relevant authorities as follows (see Appendix G):

o Kavango East Regional Council – 26 June 2019 @08h30

o Kavango West Regional Council – 24 June 2019 @ 15h00

o Rundu Town Council - 27 August 2019 @ 08h30

o Mankumpi Constituency – 27 August 2019 @ 13h00

o Ngamagoro Constituency - 27 August 2019 @ 10h00

o Ncuncuni Constituency – 28 August 2019 @ 10h00

• A Background Information Document (BID) containing descriptive information about the proposed activities was compiled (Appendix D) and sent out to all identified and registered I&APs on 2nd September 2019;

• Notices were placed in The Namibian and The Sun newspapers dated 2nd September 2019 and 9th September 2019, briefly explaining the activity and its locality, inviting members of the public to register as I&APs (Appendix E);

• Site Notices were fixed at conspicuous locations in Rundu Town and along the road within the Ncuncuni, Mankumpi, Ngamagoro and Grootfontein Constituencies on 27th and 28th of August 2019 (see Appendix H); and

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• A radio announcement was made on Wato FM at 12h30 on 11th September 2019.

Public consultation was carried out according to the Environmental Management Act’s EIA Regulations. After the initial notification, the I&APs were given until 23rd September 2019 (three weeks) to submit their comments on the project. The comment period will remain open until the final scoping report is submitted to MET.

The Draft Scoping Report was circulated from the 11th of November 2019 until the 25th of November 2019 so that the public can review and comment on it. The overall commentary received from the public during the consultation process is documented in the comments and responses trail document (Annexure I). This report highlights the issues raised from the public on the documents and contain statements of how these are addressed and incorporated into the final document.

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8 IMPACTS IDENTIFICATION, DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT

8.1 Impact Assessment Methodology

The proposed activities have impacts on certain biophysical and social features. The identified impacts were assessed in terms of probability (likelihood of occurring), scale/extent (spatial scale), magnitude (severity) and duration (temporal scale) as presented in Table 8-1, Table 8-2, Table 8-3 and Table 8-4. To enable a scientific approach to the determination of the environmental significance, a numerical value is linked to each rating scale. This methodology ensures uniformity and that potential impacts can be addressed in a standard manner so that a wide range of impacts are comparable.

It is assumed that an assessment of the significance of a potential impact is a good indicator of the risk associated with such an impact. The following process will be applied to each potential impact:

• Provision of a brief explanation of the impact; • Assessment of the pre-mitigation significance of the impact; and • Description of recommended mitigation measures. The recommended mitigation measures prescribed for each of the potential impacts contribute towards the attainment of environmentally sustainable operational conditions of the project for various features of the biophysical and social environment.

The following criteria were applied in this impact assessment:

8.1.1 Extent (spatial scale)

Extent is an indication of the physical and spatial scale of the impact. Table 8-1 shows rating of impact in terms of extent of spatial scale.

Table 8-1: Extent or spatial impact rating Low (1) Low/Medium (2) Medium (3) Medium/High (4) High (5) Impact is localised Impact is beyond Impacts felt within Impact widespread Impact extend within the site the site boundary: adjacent far beyond site National or over boundary: Site Local biophysical and boundary: international only social Regional boundaries environments: Regional

8.1.2 Duration

Duration refers to the timeframe over which the impact is expected to occur, measured in relation to the lifetime of the project. Table 8-2 shows the rating of impact in terms of duration.

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Table 8-2: Duration impact rating Low (1) Low/Medium (2) Medium (3) Medium/High (4) High (5) Immediate Impact is quickly Reversible over Impact is long- Long term; beyond mitigating reversible, short time; medium term closure; measures, term impacts (0-5 term (5-15 years) permanent; immediate years) irreplaceable or progress irretrievable commitment of resources

8.1.3 Intensity, Magnitude / severity

Intensity refers to the degree or magnitude to which the impact alters the functioning of an element of the environment. The magnitude of alteration can either be positive or negative. These were also taken into consideration during the assessment of severity. Table 8-3 shows the rating of impact in terms of intensity, magnitude or severity.

Table 8-3: Intensity, magnitude or severity impact rating Type of Negative criteria H- M/H- M- M/L- L- (10) (8) (6) (4) (2) Qualitative Very high Substantial Moderate Low Minor deterioration, deterioration, deterioration, deterioration, deterioration, high quantity death, illness discomfort, slight nuisance or of deaths, or injury, loss partial loss of noticeable irritation, injury of of habitat / habitat / alteration in minor change illness / total diversity or biodiversity or habitat and in species / loss of resource, resource, biodiversity. habitat / habitat, total severe moderate Little loss in diversity or alteration of alteration or alteration species resource, no or ecological disturbance of numbers very little processes, important quality extinction of processes deterioration. rare species

8.1.4 Probability of occurrence

Probability describes the likelihood of the impacts actually occurring. This determination is based on previous experience with similar projects and/or based on professional judgment. See Table 8-4 for impact rating in terms of probability of occurrence.

Table 8-4: Probability of occurrence impact rating Low (1) Medium/Low (2) Medium (3) Medium/High (4) High (5) Probable if Definite (regardless Improbable; low Possible, distinct Likely to occur mitigating of preventative likelihood; possibility, from time to measures are not measures), highly seldom. No frequent. Low to time. Low risk or implemented. likely, continuous. known risk or medium risk or vulnerability to Medium risk of High risk or vulnerability to vulnerability to natural or induced vulnerability to vulnerability to natural or natural or induced hazards natural or induced natural or induced induced hazards. hazards. hazards. hazards.

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8.1.5 Significance

Impact significance is determined through a synthesis of the above impact characteristics. The significance of the impact “without mitigation” is the main determinant of the nature and degree of mitigation required. As stated in the introduction to this chapter, for this assessment, the significance of the impact without prescribed mitigation actions was measured.

Once the above factors (Table 8-1, Table 8-2, Table 8-3 and Table 8-4) have been ranked for each potential impact, the impact significance of each is assessed using the following formula:

SP = (magnitude + duration + scale) x probability

The maximum value per potential impact is 100 significance points (SP). Potential impacts were rated as high, moderate or low significance, based on the following significance rating scale (Table 8-5).

Table 8-5: Significance rating scale SIGNIFICANCE ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE POINTS COLOUR CODE

High (positive) >60 H

Medium (positive) 30 to 60 M

Low (positive) <30 L

Neutral 0 N

Low (negative) >-30 L

Medium (negative) -30 to -60 M

High (negative) >-60 H

For an impact with a significance rating of high, mitigation measures are recommended to reduce the impact to a low or medium significance rating, provided that the impact with a medium significance rating can be sufficiently controlled with the recommended mitigation measures. To maintain a low or medium significance rating, monitoring is recommended for a period of time to enable the confirmation of the significance of the impact as low or medium and under control.

The impact assessment for the proposed activities is given in subchapter 8.2, 8.3, Error! Reference source not found. and Error! Reference source not found..

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8.2 Planning and Design Phase Impact Assessment The planning and design phase is mostly concerned with the preparation of the site for the road rehabilitation activities. The potential impacts during this phase include potential loss of biodiversity, dust and noise during site clearing and preparation.

8.2.1 Impact Assessment of Biodiversity Loss

A number of large indigenous trees are located along the side of the road to be rehabilitated. Some are located within the road reserve in which the proposed road rehabilitation activities will take place. Some vegetation may need to be removed should the rehabilitated road deviate from its current alignment. This may also lead to habitat destruction for some fauna. As such care should be taken during the removal of vegetation for site preparation to ensure minimal disturbance in the area. The envisaged impact at the project site, is thus not of such magnitude and/ or significance that it will have irreversible impacts on the biodiversity and endemism of the area and Namibia at large. The pre-mitigation impact is assessed to be “medium” in significance and after mitigation the impact is assessed to have a “low” significance. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-6.

Table 8-6: Assessment of the impacts on biodiversity loss Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 2 M - 3 M/L - 4 M/L – 4 M - 36 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

8.2.1.1 Mitigations and recommendation to biodiversity loss • Large indigenous trees on site need to be identified, marked, surveyed and are not to be removed.

• Trees with a trunk size of 150 mm and bigger should be surveyed, marked with paint (readily visible) and protected.

• Protected tree species as per the Forest Act No 12 of 2001 and Forest Regulations of 2015 may not be removed without a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.

8.2.2 Impact Assessment of Dust Generation

During preparation of the site for the proposed rehabilitation the presence of machinery such as graders for clearing vegetation and preparing the site may lead to the generation of dust which could impact the local communities and businesses negatively, if not properly handled. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-7.

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Table 8-7: Assessment of the impacts of dust generation Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 1 L/M - 2 M - 6 M – 3 M - 27 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation 8.2.2.1 Mitigations and recommendation to dust generation • Dust abatement techniques should be implemented e.g. spraying of water on site to reduce dust levels to an acceptable standard.

• The local community and surrounding businesses should be continuously consulted to ensure that the dust levels are acceptable. • Community members and businesses should be informed prior to any clearing of vegetation commencing so that they are aware of the planned work. • During high wind conditions the contractor must make the decision to cease works until the wind has settled. • Stockpiles should be covered with plastic to reduce windblown dust. • Workers should be provided with dust masks.

8.2.3 Impact Assessment of Noise Generation

The presence of graders and other machinery/vehicles during preparation of the site may lead to the generation of noise which could impact the local communities negatively, if not properly handled. This may pose a disturbance on the surrounding communities. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-8.

Table 8-8: Assessment of the impacts of noise generation Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 1 L/M - 2 M - 6 M – 3 M - 27 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

8.2.3.1 Mitigations and recommendation to noise generation • Site preparation activities should be limited to daytime hours (between 08h00 and 17h00) unless otherwise arranged with community members and businesses in the area.

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8.3 Construction Phase Impact Assessment The potential impacts associated with the construction phase of the rehabilitation of the subject road have been identified and assessed in this subchapter. The main potential impacts identified are; environmental degradation, waste generation, soil and groundwater contamination, dust and noise generation, archaeological and heritage resources impact, disturbance to local community members and businesses, temporary employment creation and health and safety impacts.

8.3.1 Impact Assessment on Environmental Degradation

During construction different types of waste may be generated on site. This may include general waste as well as hazardous bitumen and hydrocarbons which may cause degradation of the subject environment. Furthermore, the presence of the workforce and machinery may enhance environmental destruction within the subject site. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-9.

Table 8-9: Assessment of the impacts on environmental degradation Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L -1 L/M - 2 M/L - 4 M - 4 M - 28 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

8.3.1.1 Mitigations and recommendation to environmental degradation • All types of waste should be effectively managed on site.

• Hazardous substances and hazardous waste materials should be carefully and correctly handled on site according to guidelines in EMP.

• Contractors should be trained on the importance of protecting the environment.

• Contractors should be trained on EMP compliance and sensitized to ensure that they respect and protect the environment during the work.

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8.3.2 Impact Assessment of Waste Generation

Construction activities usually generate wastes which leads to environmental pollution, if not properly handled. This may result in blocked waterways should waste be blown into water pipelines; animals may choke on waste when ingested and additionally it may pose a negative visual impact on the surrounding environment. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to low rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-10.

Table 8-10: Assessment of the impacts on waste generation Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L -1 L/M - 2 M/L - 4 M - 4 M - 28 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

8.3.2.1 Mitigations and recommendation to waste generation • The construction site should be kept tidy at all times. • All domestic and general construction waste produced on a daily basis should be cleaned and contained. • No waste may be buried or burned on site or anywhere else. • Waste containers (bins) should be emptied during and after the construction and the waste removed from site to the municipal waste disposal site. • Separate waste containers (bins) for hazardous and domestic / general waste must be provided on site. • Construction labourers should be sensitised to dispose of waste in a responsible manner and not to litter.

• No waste may remain on site after the completion of the project.

• The recycling of waste should be considered and implemented as far as possible.

8.3.3 Impact Assessment of Soil and Groundwater

Improper handling, storage and disposal of hydrocarbon products and hazardous materials at the site may lead to soil and groundwater contamination, in case of spills and leakages. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-11.

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Table 8-11: Assessment of the impacts on soil and groundwater Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 3 L/M - 2 M - 6 M – 4 M - 44 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

8.3.3.1 Mitigations and recommendation to soil and groundwater • Careful storage and handling of hydrocarbons on site is essential.

• Workers responsible for the storage and handling of hydrocarbons should be suitably trained to do so and trained on spill prevention (e.g. the use of drip trays) and the handling of potential spills should they occur to be able to ensure implementation on site.

• Potential contaminants such as hydrocarbons and wastewater should be contained on site and disposed of in accordance with municipal wastewater discharge standards so that they do not contaminate surrounding soils and eventually groundwater.

• An emergency plan should be available for major / minor spills at the site during operation activities (with consideration of air, groundwater, soil and surface water) and during the transportation of the product(s) to the site.

8.3.4 Impact Assessment of Dust Generation

Construction activities and the presence of construction vehicles may lead to the generation of dust which could impact the local communities and businesses negatively, if not properly handled. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-12.

Table 8-12: Assessment of the impacts of dust generation Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 1 L/M - 2 M - 6 M – 3 M - 27 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation 8.3.4.1 Mitigations and recommendation to dust generation • Dust abatement techniques should be implemented e.g. spraying of water on site to reduce dust levels to an acceptable standard.

• The local community and surrounding businesses should be continuously consulted to ensure that the dust levels are acceptable.

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• Community members and businesses should be informed prior to construction commencing so that they are aware of the planned construction. • During high wind conditions the contractor must make the decision to cease works until the wind has settled. • Stockpiles and sand being transported should be covered with plastic to reduce windblown dust. • Workers should be provided with dust masks.

8.3.5 Impact Assessment of Noise Generation

Construction activities and the presence of construction vehicles may lead to the generation of noise which could impact the local communities negatively, if not properly handled. This may pose a disturbance on the surrounding communities. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-13.

Table 8-13: Assessment of the impacts of noise generation Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 1 L/M - 2 M - 6 M – 3 M - 27 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

8.3.5.1 Mitigations and recommendation to noise generation • Construction activities should be limited to daytime hours (between 08h00 and 17h00) unless otherwise arranged with community members and businesses in the area. • No amplified music should be allowed on site.

• Technology such as silencers should be installed on construction machinery.

• The use of horns as a general communication tool should not be allowed, they should only be used when necessary, as a safety measure.

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8.3.6 Impact Assessment of Archaeological and Heritage Resources

The proposed rehabilitation is not taking place in an area that has significant archaeological or heritage resources. However, should these be encountered during the rehabilitation activities, mitigation measures need to be in place to ensure that these resources are not harmed. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-14.

Table 8-14: Assessment of the impacts on archaeological and heritage resources Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 1 L/M - 4 M - 6 M - 1 M -11 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

8.3.6.1 Mitigations and recommendation to archaeological and heritage resources • All works are to be immediately ceased in an affected area should an archaeological or heritage resource be discovered.

• The National Heritage Council of Namibia (NHCN) should advise with regards to the removal, packaging and transfer of the potential resource.

8.3.7 Impact Assessment of disturbance to local community members and businesses

The proposed rehabilitation could potentially impact those who have settled or set up businesses close to the road or within the road reserve. Additionally, some community members sell fruits and crafts along the side of the road and this business activity could be disturbed during rehabilitation activities. Should these community members or businesses be impacted upon during rehabilitation activities, mitigation measures need to be in place to ensure that the impacts are minimised. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-15.

Table 8-15: Assessment of the impacts on disturbance to local community members and businesses Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 1 L/M - 4 M - 6 M - 1 M -11 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 4 mitigation

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8.3.7.1 Mitigations and recommendation to disturbance to local community members and businesses • Community members and business owners should be informed of rehabilitation activities prior to construction commencing.

• Should community members have to relocate their business activities e.g. selling of fruit the contractor should communicate with the community members prior to commencing work to ensure that a suitable alternative location to which to relocate the activities is agreed upon.

8.3.8 Impact Assessment of Temporary Employment Creation

The proposed activity may provide employment opportunities for the local people. Additional benefits may arise depending on the agreements reached between the community and the proponent. The impact can be rated as of a “low-positive” significance. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-16.

Table 8-16: Assessment of the impacts of temporary employment creation Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M + 2 L/M + 2 M + 2 M +3 L+ 18 mitigation Post- L + 4 L+ 3 L+ 2 L + 3 L + 27 mitigation

8.3.8.1 Mitigations and recommendation to temporary employment creation • Should any job opportunities result, they should be made available to the local people in the area as far as reasonably possible.

• Should materials or resources be sourced from communities they should be sufficiently compensated in a manner agreed between the community and the proponent/contractor.

8.3.9 Impact Assessment of Health and Safety Construction activities may cause health and safety risks to people operating on the site. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to “low” rating. The assessment of this impact is presented in Table 8-17.

Table 8-17: Assessment of the impacts on health and safety Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Pre- L/M - 1 L/M - 4 M - 6 M - 1 M -27 mitigation Post- L - 1 L- 1 L- 2 L - 1 L - 6 mitigation

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8.3.9.1 Mitigations and recommendation to Health and Safety • Construction workers should be provided with awareness training about the risks associated with the proposed rehabilitation work such as hydrocarbon handling and storage, the handling of heavy machinery etc.

• During the works conducted, workers should be properly equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as coveralls, gloves, safety boots, safety glasses etc.

• The contractors should comply with the provisions with regards to health and safety as outlined in the Labour Act (No. 6 of 1992).

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9 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

9.1 Conclusion The key potential biophysical impacts related to the construction, operational and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the proposed project were identified and assessed. Suitable mitigation measures (where required and possible) were recommended, and the impacts can be summarised as follows:

• Impacts on biodiversity (during planning and design, construction phase): There are some large indigenous trees located along the side of the road. Some are located within the road reserve in which the proposed road rehabilitation activities will take place. Some vegetation may need to be removed should the rehabilitated road deviate from its current alignment. This may also lead to habitat destruction for some fauna. As such care should be taken during the removal of vegetation for site preparation to ensure minimal disturbance in the area. The likelihood of this impact is low. However, the impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.2.1 and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

• Impacts on environmental degradation (during construction phase): During construction different types of waste may be generated on site. This may include general waste as well as hazardous bitumen and hydrocarbons which may cause degradation of the subject environment. Furthermore, the presence of the workforce and machinery may aid in environmental destruction within the subject site. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to low rating. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.3.1 and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

• Impacts on waste generation (during construction phase): Construction activities usually generate wastes which leads to environmental pollution, if not properly handled. This may result in blocked waterways should waste be blown into water pipelines, animals may choke on waste when ingested and additionally it may pose a negative visual impact on the surrounding environment. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to low rating. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapters 8.3.2 and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

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• Impacts on soil and groundwater contamination (during construction phase): Improper handling, storage and disposal of hydrocarbon products and hazardous materials at the site may lead to soil and groundwater contamination, in case of spills and leakages. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapters Error! Reference source not found. and m anagement actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

• Impacts on dust generation (during planning and design, construction phase): Site clearing, and construction activities and the presence of construction vehicles may lead to the generation of dust which could impact the local communities negatively, if not properly handled. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigation measures, the impact will be significantly reduced to low rating. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.2.2 and 8.3.4 and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

• Impact on noise generation (during planning and design and construction phase): Site clearing, and construction activities and the presence of construction vehicles may lead to the generation of noise which could impact the local communities negatively, if not properly handled. This may pose a disturbance on the surrounding communities. Without any mitigation measures implemented, the impact can be rated as of a “medium” significance. After the implementation of the mitigations, the impact will be significantly reduced to low rating. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.2.3 and 8.3.5 and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

• Impact on archaeological and heritage resources (during construction phase): The proposed rehabilitation is not taking place in an area that has significant archaeological or heritage resources. However, should these be encountered during the rehabilitation activities, mitigation measures need to be in place to ensure that these resources are not harmed. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.3.6Error! Reference source not f ound. and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

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• Impact on disturbance to local community members and businesses (during construction phase): The proposed rehabilitation could potentially impact those who have settled close to the road or within the road reserve. Additionally, some community members sell fruits and rafts along the side of the road and this business activity could be disturbed during rehabilitation activities. However, should community member or businesses be encountered during the rehabilitation activities, mitigation measures need to be in place to ensure that these impacts to the community members are minimised. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.3.7 and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

• Impact on temporary employment creation (during construction phase): The proposed activity may provide employment opportunities for the local people. Additional benefits may arise depending on the agreements reached between the community and the proponent. The impact can be suitably enhanced by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.3.8, Error! Reference source not f ound. and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

• Impact on health and safety (during construction phase): Construction activities may cause health and safety risks to people operating on the site. The impact can be adequately addressed by the recommendations given under subchapter 8.3.9 and management actions given in the EMP (Chapter 3).

9.2 Recommendation Based on the information provided in this report, GCS is confident the identified risks associated with the proposed development can be reduced to acceptable levels, should the measures recommended in the EMP be implemented and monitored. It is therefore recommended that the project receive Environmental Clearance, provided that the EMP be implemented.

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10 REFERENCES

Aurecon. 2019. Inception Report for the Investigation for Road Preservation and Rehabilitation of TR8/2 and TR8/3: TARANAKI, Mururani Gate to Rundu.

Mendelsohn, J., Jarvis, A., Roberts, C. & Roberston, T. 2002.

Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural Development. 2011. Groundwater in Namibia an explanation to the Hydrogeological Map.

Ministry of Lands and Resettlement. 2015a. Integrated Regional Land Use Plan for the Kavango West Region: Land Use Proposals. 2(March).

Ministry of Lands and Resettlement. 2015b. Integrated Regional Land Use Plan for the Kavango East Region Baseline Report ( Volume 1 ).

Namibia Statistics Agency. 2011. Otjozondjupa Census Regional Profile.

Namibia Statistics Agency. 2013. Namibia 2011 Population & Housing Census - Main Report. 214. [Online], Available: http://www.nsa.org.na/files/downloads/Namibia 2011 Population and Housing Census Main Report.pdf.

Namibia Statistics Agency. 2014. Kavango West Regional Tables Based on 4th Delimitation.

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