APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE:
SCREENING REPORT FOR VARIOUS TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENTS
Prepared for:
Ministry of Environment and Tourism Private Bag 13306 WINDHOEK Namibia
APRIL 2015
Prepared by:
OCTOBER 2019 REPORT NUMBER: APP - 00706
APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE:
SCOPING REPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TOWNSHIPS AT OKAHAO
WITHIN THE REMAINDER OF FARM OKAHAO TOWNLANDS NO. 989 AND OKAHAO
EXTENDED TOWNLANDS NO. 1213
PROPONENT: CLIENT:
OKAHAO TOWN COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP NAMIBIA PRIVATE BAG 699 P O BOX 40723 OKAHAO AUSSPANNPLATZ NAMIBIA WINDHOEK NAMIBIA
SUBMISSION: CONSULTANT:
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM URBAN DYNAMICS AFRICA PRIVATE BAG 13306 P O BOX 20837 WINDHOEK WINDHOEK NAMIBIA NAMIBIA REFERENCE: 1127 & 1157 ENQUIRIES: HEIDRI BINDEMANN-NEL ALLISON ANDERSON & TRESIA AMWAALWA TEL: +264-61-240300 FAX: +264-61-240309
APP-00706: SCOPING REPORT FOR TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENTS AT OKAHAO– OCTOBER 2019
DEVELOPMENT ROLE PLAYERS:
OKAHAO TOWN COUNCIL PRIVATE BAG 699 OKAHAO NAMIBIA
DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP NAMIBIA P O BOX 40723 AUSSPANNPLATZ WINDHOEK NAMIBIA
SCOPING REPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENTS OF TOWNSHIPS AT OKAHAO, PREPARED BY
URBAN DYNAMICS AFRICA P O BOX 20837 WINDHOEK NAMIBIA
THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING REPORT FOR TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT AT OKAHAO, PREPARED BY
BIODATA P O BOX 30061 WINDHOEK NAMIBIA
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GENERAL LOCATION DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AREA:
DESCRIPTOR: LOCATION SPECIFICS:
NATURE OF ACTIVITIES: The construction of public roads and the creation of infrastructures in watercourses within floodlines through Township Establishments.
REGISTRATION DIVISION A
REGION: Omusati Region
LOCAL AUTHORITY: Okahao Town Council
FALL WITHIN: The Remainder of Farm Okahao Townlands No. 989 No. 1213
NEAREST TOWNS / CITY: Okahao
LAND USE: Undetermined
HOMESTEADS/STRUCTURES: Yes
HISTORICAL RESOURCE LISTINGS: No
CEMETERY: No
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANT AREA: Watercourse Areas
PROJECT SITE A:
SIZE OF PROJECT SITE A: 11 92 976.1025 sqm
NORTH WEST LATITUDE: -17, 890314 S,
LONGITUDE: 15 082619 E
PROJECT SITE B:
SIZE OF PROJECT SITE B: 8 38 762.5545 sqm
LATITUDE: -17,909069 S,
LONGITUDE: 15,056183 E
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ABBREVIATION: DESCRIPTION:
am ANTE MERIDIEM / BEFORE MIDDAY
Av AVENUE
BID BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT
EPP EMERGENCY PREVENTION PLANS
ER EMPLOYERS REPRESENTATIVE
EA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
EC ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONER
ECO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OFFICER
EMP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
etc. ET CETERA / OTHER SIMILAR THINGS
e.g. EXEMPLI GRATIA
FC/AC FIBRE CEMENT/ASBESTOS CEMENT
HIV HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
i.e. ID EST. / IN OTHER WORDS
I&APs INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES
NHC NAMIBIAN HEALTH CARE
NAMPAB NAMIBIAN PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD
pm POST MERIDIEM / AFTER MIDDAY
SME SMALL-AND-MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISE
TMP TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN
TRRP TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PLAN
TB TUBERCULOSIS
WMP WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
UNIT SYMBOL: UNIT DESCRIPTION: c 0 DEGREES CELSIUS
C MAIN ROAD
D DISTRICT ROAD
E EAST
ha HECTARES
Km KILOMETRE
m METER
mm MILLIMETRE
S SOUTH
m² SQUARE METERS % PERCENTAGE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 APPOINTMENT ...... 1
2 BACKGROUND ...... 1
3 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ...... 2
4 NATURE OF THE ACTIVITY ...... 3
5 LEGISLATION ...... 4
6 METHODOLOGY ...... 7
6.1 TOPOGRAPHY AND SITE INFORMATION ...... 7
6.2 NATURAL RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 7
6.3 SITE VISITS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 8
7 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITES ...... 9
7.1 LOCATION OF OKAHAO SITE A AND B ...... 9
7.1 SIZES AND SHAPES OF PROJECTS AREAS ...... 10
7.2 LAND USE AND EXISTING STATUS ...... 11
7.2.1 Okahao Site A ...... 11
7.2.2 Okahao Site B ...... 12
7.3 ACCESS AND UTILITY SERVICES ...... 13
7.3.1 Access: ...... 13
7.3.2 Electrical Supply: ...... 14
7.3.3 Water Connection: ...... 14
7.3.4 Sewerage Reticulation: ...... 14
7.3.5 Communication: ...... 14
7.4 TOPOGRAPHY aND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS ...... 14
7.4.1 Topography and Flooding: ...... 14
7.4.2 Environmental Characteristics: ...... 15
7.4.3 Climate, Rainfall and Wind Directions: ...... 16
7.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...... 17
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8 DEVELOPMENT INTENTION ...... 18
8.1 DETAIL OF THE DRAFT PLAN, TABLE AND DESCRIPTION DETAIL ...... 18
8.1 STREET LAYOUTS ...... 19
8.1.1 Road Hierarchy: ...... 19
8.1.2 Provision for Pedestrians: ...... 21
8.1.3 Provision for Drainage: ...... 21
8.2 SITE A: PROPOSED LAND USE ...... 21
8.2.1 Site A: Provision for Business and Institutional Land Use: ...... 22
8.2.2 Site A: Provision for Residential Land Use: ...... 23
8.2.3 Site A: Provision for Public Open Space Land Use:...... 23
8.3 SITE B: PROPOSED LAND USE ...... 24
8.3.1 Site B: Provision for Business and Institutional Land Use: ...... 25
8.3.2 Site B: Provision for Residential Land Use: ...... 25
8.3.3 Site B: Provision for Public Open Space: ...... 26
8.4 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 26
9 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 27
9.1 PROJECT BENEFITS ...... 27
9.2 NEGATIVE IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION ...... 27
9.3 IMPACTS DURING OPERATIONS ...... 28
10 LAYOUT STRATEGIES ...... 28
10.1 DEALING WITH POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL IMPACTS ...... 28
10.2 DEALING WITH NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL IMPACTS ...... 29
10.3 DEALING WITH RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 31
10.3.1 Residual Social Impacts: ...... 31
10.3.2 Residual Environmental Impacts: ...... 31
11 SUMMARY AND APPLICATION ...... 32
11.1 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL PROJECT IMPACTS ...... 32
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12 APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE ...... 36
13 REFERENCES ...... 37
FIGURES
Figure 1: The Locality of Okahao ...... 1
Figure 2: The Sites Visits ...... 8
Figure 3: Locality of the Sites within Okahao Townlands ...... 9
Figure 4: The Shapes of the Sites ...... 10
Figure 5: Site A: Land Use Constraints ...... 11
Figure 6: Site B: Land Use Constraints ...... 12
Figure 7: Site A and B: Road Accesses ...... 13
Figure 8: The Drainage Basins ...... 15
Figure 9: Characteristic of Okahao’s Drainage Basins ...... 16
Figure 10: Layouts for Site A and B...... 19
Figure 11: Road Hierarchy ...... 20
Figure 12: Proposed Road Reserves ...... 21
Figure 13: Site A: Layout and Land Use ...... 22
Figure 14: Site A: Business and Institutional Land Use ...... 22
Figure 15: Site A: Residential Land Use ...... 23
Figure 16: Site A: Public Open Space Land Use ...... 23
Figure 17: Site B: Layout and Land Use ...... 24
Figure 18: Site B: Business and Institutional Land Use ...... 25
Figure 19: Site B: Residential Land Use ...... 25
Figure 20: Site B: Public Open Space ...... 26
Figure 21: Layout Strategies...... 30
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TABLES
Table 1: Consultation Timeline ...... 8
Table 2: Sizes and Current Land Use ...... 10
Table 3: Overall Land Use ...... 18
Table 4: Site A: Land Use Summary ...... 21
Table 5: Site B: Land Use Summary ...... 24
ANNEXURES
ANNEXURE 1: FORM 1 APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE (SECTION 32)
ANNEXURE 2: CV (OF THE EAP)
ANNEXURE 3: CONTACT DETAIL OF THE PROPONENT
ANNEXURE 4: CONTACT DETAIL OF THE CONSULTANT
ANNEXURE 5: PASSPORT (EAP)
ANNEXURE 6: PERMANENT RESIDENTS PERMIT
ANNEXURE 7: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX
APPENDIX A: APPROVAL FROM THE TOWN COUNCIL
APPENDIX B: LAYOUTS
APPENDIX C: BIODATA ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING REPORT FOR TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT (2019)
APPENDIX D: PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS
APPENDIX D.1: ADVERTISEMENTS
APPENDIX D.2: BID DOCUMENT
APPENDIX D.3: COPY OF THE STAKEHOLDERS LIST
APPENDIX D.4: MINUTES OF THE MEETING
APPENDIX E: LITHON PROJECT CONSULTANTS: FLOOD EVALUATION AND INUNDATION MAPPING FOR THE
INTEGRATED SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FOR OKAHAO (2016)
APPENDIX F: COPY OF THE ROADS AUTHORITY APPROVAL
APPENDIX G: MINUTES OF THE MEETING WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONER
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1 APPOINTMENT
Urban Dynamics has been appointed by the Okahao Town Council, to obtain Environmental Clearance for the
ESTABLISHMENT OF TOWNSHIPS AT OKAHAO WITHIN THE REMAINDER OF OKAHAO TOWNLANDS NO. 989 AND 1213.
The relevant documentation is included in support of our application to the Environmental Commissioner; please refer to the appendices attached hereto.
2 BACKGROUND
Okahao is at the junction of several large road connections; the C41 - connecting to Opuwo and Oshakati, and the M123 - connecting Okahao to Tshandi, Outapi and Ruacana. Okahao is an important growth point in Omusati and one of only four towns in the region. As a result, there are a large number of services and goods accessible at Okahao that are unavailable in the smaller settlements nearby.
Figure 1: The Locality of Okahao
Urban structure, access to land and security of tenure are the foundation stones to creating healthy urban communities, ensuring the natural environment outside of urban areas is not put under further strain and growing the economy. There are clear trends between urbanisation, and a variety of developmental indicators such as life expectancy, poverty, or education, additionally the environmental costs of urban living, (given equal and often higher standards of living) are also far fewer than living rurally.
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The advantages created by urban environments are due to economies of scale; there are more people in a smaller area, they can interact more, spend less time travelling, cover smaller distances to access goods and services (which can be provided at a better quality because there is more demand), and they have opportunities to engage in new forms of economic activity. In this way, urbanisation provides numerous benefits.
Future urban growth throughout Africa is expected to take place for the most part in small and medium- sized settlements. This growth will mostly be in urban areas such as Okahao. Taking a pro-active approach to providing land and structure for opportunities for future residents will help to ensure that the resultant urban environments are robust and environmentally sustainable, empower citizens and create growth.
For the purpose of obtaining approval from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development through the Namibian Planning Advisory Board (NAMPAB) and the Townships Board, an Environmental Clearance NOT TO SCALE Certificate must first be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
3 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
In terms of the Regulations of the Environmental Management Act (Act 7 of 2007), township establishment is not a listed activity. Although Section 27 of the Act lists, land use and transformation as an area within which activities may be listed, the Honourable Minister chose not to list Township Establishment as one such activity. To clarify this matter, Urban Dynamics’ representative, Mr E Simon, met with the Environmental Commissioner and sought clarification, as provided for in Section 5 (2) of the Regulations, if Township Establishment should be regarded as a listed activity. During this meeting, it was resolved that Township Establishment is not a listed activity as per the schedule in the regulations.
However, Urban Dynamics acknowledges that Township Establishment may, in some cases, have unacceptable environmental impacts, but that impacts are generally limited since it is mostly done to extend existing urban areas by way of laying out new erven on Townlands already earmarked for urban development. It was therefore resolved that Urban Dynamics should provide the Environmental Commissioner (EC) with a baseline report which will enable him to screen the project and determine if a clearance certificate can be issued or if a full assessment is required. A copy of the minutes of the meeting with the Environmental Commissioner as Annexure “G”.
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4 NATURE OF THE ACTIVITY
The purpose of the application is to obtain approval from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in terms NOT TO SCALE of Section 10.1(a), 10.1(b), and 10.2(a), of the Environmental Management Act (Act 7 of 2007), for environmental clearance for the construction of bulk water pipelines, the construction of public roads, and
Section 8.8, 8.10 and 8.11 of the Environmental Management Act (Act 7 of 2007), for construction and activities in watercourses within flood lines, the reclamation of land from below or above the high-water and the alteration of natural wetlands.
This report documents the baseline information necessary to enable the Environmental Commissioner (EC) to screen this project and issue an Environmental Clearance Certificate in terms of Section 33 of the Environmental Management Act (Act 7 of 2007).
This report deals with the nature of the project, identifies the potential impacts that may be expected and the mitigation measures which will be implemented to deal with the impacts.
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5 LEGISLATION
The following table provides the legislative framework within which the applicant should be viewed:
STATUTE PROVISIONS PROJECT IMPLICATIONS
The Constitution of the The state shall actively promote and maintain Ensure that the ecological integrity Republic of Namibia, 1990: the welfare of the people by adopting, inter- of the ecosystems of the area is alia, policies aimed at the following: protected. (i) management of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilisation of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all.
Environmental Management: The Water Act No. 54 of 1956 and Water Evaluate if the alignment of the Resources and Management Act No.27 street will impact on the social and of 2007 Section 92: natural environment. Section 92 (1), A person may not engage in any construction work or other activity Determine if the risk of flooding of that causes, or is likely to cause, the the erven is at acceptable levels. natural flow conditions of water in to or Determine if proposed limited infill from a watercourse to be modified , would impact the function of the unless the Minister has granted prior watercourse or cause flooding written approval for the work or activity to elsewhere. be carried out.
Section 100 (e) consult with the regional council or local authority in determining the geographic extent of flood plain areas in its region or local authority, as the case may be, and assist any such councils in regulating the development and use of land within floodplain areas
Section 100 (f) prescribe measures for control and management of storm and flood risk within local authority areas.
Section 101 (b) development on the banks of any wetland or dam; and
Section 101 (c) the removal of rocks, sand or gravel or any other material from a watercourse.
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WATER AND RESOURCES The Water Act No. 54 of 1956 and Water Assess the potential risk that the
MANAGEMENT: Resources and Management Act No.27 planned activities may have on both of 2007 Section 92: the watercourses and floodplains on the one hand and future Section 92 (1), A person may not engage in occupants of the land on the other. any construction work or other activity that causes, or is likely to cause, the natural flow conditions of water in to or from a watercourse to be modified , unless the Minister has granted prior written approval for the work or activity to be carried out.
Section 100 (e) consult with the regional council or local authority in determining the geographic extent of flood plain areas in its region or local authority, as the case may be, and assist any such councils in regulating the development and use of land within floodplain areas
Section 100 (f) prescribe measures for control and management of storm and flood risk within local authority areas.
Section 101 (b) development on the banks of any wetland or dam; and
Section 101 (c) the removal of rocks, sand or gravel or any other material from a watercourse.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH The Public Health Act 36 of 1919 as Prevent activities which can have
AND SAFETY REGULATIONS: amended and the Health and Safety an impact on the health and safety Regulations: of the public.
These acts control the existence nuisances such as litter that can cause a threat to the environment and public health.
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POLLUTION CONTROL AND WASTE Pollution Control and Waste Consider the risk of pollution as a
MANAGEMENT BILL: Management Bill: result of the sewer infrastructure in the watercourses. This bill aims to promote sustainable development and to prevent and regulate the discharge of pollutants into the environment.
LABOUR: Labour Act. 11 of 2007: Ensure the protection of workers’ rights and safety in Namibia. This bill aims to protect workers and their environment which they work in.
NORTHERN REGION. FLOOD RISK Northern Region. Flood Risk Asses to what extent the proposed
MANAGEMENT PLAN: Management Plan: Flood Risk intervention complies with the Management Plan of 2011: provision of the plan.
The Management Plan provides control measures for future planning within the northern regions.
FORESTRY: Forest Act. 12 of 2001: Ensure that existing trees are protected as far as possible and if Protected tree species and any vegetation not assure that necessary permits within 100m from a watercourse may not be are obtained. removed without a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
COMPENSATION POLICY: Cabinet Compensation Policy Guidelines Asses to what extent the proposed for Communal land: policy complies with the provision Providing compensation to individuals of the plan to ensure the rights of regarding the relocation of people, removal of individuals within communal land. fruit trees or the development of mahangu fields, within communal land.
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6 METHODOLOGY
The following methodologies were used to compile this screening report:
6.1 TOPOGRAPHY AND SITE INFORMATION
The topographical and site information was obtained by means of a site visit as well as a desktop study using recent orthophotos and Lithon Project Consultants flood evaluation and inundation mapping for the integrated spatial development framework for Okahao. Find attached Lithon Project Consultants Flood evaluation and inundation mapping for the integrated spatial development framework for Okahao (Lithon: 2016) as Appendix “E”. This enabled Urban Dynamics to compile an accurate and up to date base map of the property.
6.2 NATURAL RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
Biodata Consultancy did an environmental screening report for the affected areas in conjunction with Urban Dynamics, which made use of orthophoto analysis, a site visit, biodiversity database, literature surveys and extensive experience on the ground in the region.
Data sources used include:
Atlas of Namibia (Mendelsohn, 2002).
Flood Evaluation and Inundation Mapping for the Intergrading Spatial Development Framework for Okahao. (Lithon, 2016)
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF, 2012)
The Namibia Biodiversity Database (NBD, 2013)
The South African Biodiversity Information Facility (SABIF, 2012)
The Southern African Bird Atlas (Harrison, et al., 1997)
The Tree Atlas of Namibia (Curtis & Mannheimer, 2005)
Northern Regions. Flood Risk Management Plan (Tamayo, et al., 2011)
A private Namibian biodiversity literature collection.
Depending on the format of each dataset, searches were conducted based either on the relevant quarter degree square, on the coordinates of a relevant bounding, or on place names in the vicinity. Because the study area has been subjected to extensive anthropomorphic habitat modification, the herbaceous layer is either non-existent or composed mainly of pioneer species. Therefore, only large woody plants were considered here.
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The results were carefully evaluated, and all improbable records were discarded, usually on one of the following grounds:
Habitat-incompatibility between the supposedly recorded species and known conditions in
the study area.
Taxa with large home-range requirements that are not expected to be able to maintain
permanent populations within the limited size of the study area.
Taxa that do not occur in close vicinity to towns and human habitation.
Obvious data errors, e.g. Non-Namibian taxa. (Irish, 2013)
6.3 SITE VISITS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Several site visits were conducted between 2014 and 2019 by Urban Dynamics and Biodata Consultancy. The purpose of the site visits was to identify all existing structures on the site, topographical features that might be of importance, and objects of heritage or cultural importance.
Figure 2: The Sites Visits
Two newspaper notices were placed in separate newspapers for two consecutive weeks. In addition to advertisements and notices, email and fax invitations were sent to selected stakeholders. On the 29th of May 2019, a public meeting was held at Okahao. Find attached a list of the stakeholders and minutes of the meeting as Appendix “D”. The purpose of the above was to illustrate the new proposed layouts to interested and affected parties and to get feedback from them.
Table 1: Consultation Timeline
ADVERTISEMENTS PUBLIC MEETING
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7 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITES
This section provides a planning description of the sites relative to the surrounding urban areas, existing use and settlement, services and other infrastructure, topography, and any other features of the sites.
7.1 LOCATION OF OKAHAO SITE A AND B
Sites A and B are within the new Okahao Townlands No, 1213 and a part of site A still is within Okahao Townlands No. 989, which is within the Omusati Region as depicted in figure 3.
Site A is situated on -17, 890314 S and 15, 082619 E, which is located, east of Okahao Extension 1 and is south of the C41 district road to Oshakati. The site is 1.3 km from the Okahao Elgin Parish.
Site B is situated on -17, 909069 S, and 15,056183 E, which is located, south-west of Okahao, Extension 10. The D 3635 district road runs west of the site. The Okahao Elgin Parish is 3 km from the site.
Figure 3: Locality of the Sites within Okahao Townlands
M12 To Tshandi/From Okahao
REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO TOWNLANDS NO.989 OKAHAO C 41 To Okahao/From Oshakati SITE A
REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO EMAINDER OF THE ARM KAHAO TOWNLANDS NO. 1213 R F O TOWNLANDS NO. 1213
SITE B
D 3635
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7.1 SIZES AND SHAPES OF PROJECTS AREAS
The sizes of the two sites are indicated in table 2. The shapes of the sites are illustrated in figure 4.
Table 2: Sizes and Current Land Use
THE SITES LAND USES AREA SIZES- Sqm Project Area A Undetermined 11 92 976.1026 Project Area B Undetermined 8 38 762.5545
Figure 4: The Shapes of the Sites
OKAHAO ELCIN C 41 To Okahao/From Oshakati PARISH
REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO TOWNLANDS PROJECT AREA A NO. 989 -17, 890314 S, 15, 082619 E
REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO TOWNLANDS NO. 1213
PROJECT AREA B -17, 909069 S REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO TOWNLANDS 15,056183 E NO. 1213
D 3635
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7.2 LAND USE AND EXISTING STATUS
ONAWA Okahao Town Council is the registered owner of the Remainder of Farm Okahao Townlands No. 989 and Okahao Townlands No. 1213. The areas are zoned “Undetermined”.
7.2.1 Okahao Site A
As indicated in figure 5, Site A includes an 18 m Nored Power line servitude, some large trees, standing water, drainage basins, 25 traditional homesteads and temporary structures with mahangu fields.
Figure 5: Site A: Land Use Constraints
REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO TOWNLANDS NO. 1213
REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO TOWNLANDS NO. 989
LEGEND:
FLOOD AREA
STRUCTURES
HOMESTEADS AND FIELDS
NORED SERVITUDE
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7.2.2 Okahao Site B
Site B includes Nored power line servitude, some trees, standing water, 11 mahangu fields with traditional homesteads and temporary structures.
Figure 6: Site B: Land Use Constraints
LEGEND:
FLOOD AREA
STRUCTURES
HOMESTEADS AND FIELDS
NORED SERVITUDE
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7.3 ACCESS AND UTILITY SERVICES
7.3.1 Access:
Site A will gain access via two access points to the main road (C41) between Okahao and Oshakati. Approval was obtained for the access, as attached as Annexure “F”.
Figure 7: Site A and B: Road Accesses
OKAHAO EXTENSION 1 PROPER
C41 EXTENSION 2
EXTENSION 4
EXTENSION 9 SITE A
EXTENSION 14 EXTENSION 13 EXTENSION 7
EXTENSION 10
SITE B
LEGEND:
ACCESS D 3635
ROAD SERVITUDES
Site B will gain access via two right of way servitudes in favour of the proposed township, as indicated in figure 7. The first right of way servitude is 20 m wide and links with Okahao Extension 13 to the north of the proposed portion.
The second right of way servitude is 30 m wide over the Okahao Townlands Extension No. 1213 to link with Okahao Extension 10, to the east of the site.
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7.3.2 Electrical Supply:
The town is served with electricity by Nored, and a power line transverse the north and east part of the site. The proposed developments are to be supplied from the Nored distribution network, from the closest and most suitable line.
7.3.3 Water Connection:
Okahao receives water from NamWater via a pipeline from Ruacana to a treatment plant in the centre of the town. The development’s source of water supply will be from the Okahao Town Council’s reticulated network.
7.3.4 Sewerage Reticulation:
The town sewerage system consists out of a collection network and four pump stations that send sewerage to oxidation ponds south of the town. The development will make use of a closed system to pump the sewerage to the town’s sewerage oxidation ponds.
7.3.5 Communication:
Telecommunication services are available by means of cellular. However, Telecom landline infrastructure will be implemented by Telecom.
7.4 TOPOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
7.4.1 Topography and Flooding:
The topographic characteristics of the Okahao town are similar to other towns on the edge of the Cuvelai. The project area is bereft of any significant changes in elevation. Drainage systems consist of shallow depressions and oshanas that fill with water in the rainy season (Mendelsohn, J. 2013).
As indicated in the figure below, Okahao falls just outside the area that the Cuvelai channels flow and so does not have the same risk of flooding as towns within the Cuvelai basin. However, there is an increased risk of flooding from local rainfall, as there is no natural drainage system within the town that allows water to flow away.
After significant rainwater drains into basins and gradually evaporates, drains through the ground and is used by local vegetation. This system of drainage basins is apparent in figure 8 that shows a composite of flooded areas made using 12 separate measurements from peak times in the rainy season between 2013 and 2017. Unfortunately, flood maximums for the 2010 / 2011 floods were not captured by satellite.
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Figure 8: The Drainage Basins
The flooding risk in the planned townships is minimal when compared to the surrounds. In addition to the satellite assessment, a flood risk assessment was carried out by Carlos V. Tamayo (2011). This study shows that the town has a moderate risk of flooding in the North and East of the town but only a low risk of flooding in the south and the west where the sites are. This is apparent in figure 8, which shows that the planned area is of very low risk of flooding, especially in comparison to much of the rest of the town that has already been built.
7.4.2 Environmental Characteristics:
According to the ecological assessment done by Biodata (2019), the site suffers the usual environmental degradation and biodiversity loss that occurs around all human habitations. However, the report indicated that the site is in a better than average condition from having been fenced in.
The information presented within this section of the report has in-part been sourced from the environmental screening report conducted by Dr Irish in June 2019.
The population density around Okahao is high, and as a result, the surrounds have been heavily transformed. Key environmentally relevant features show that:
Most land is taken up by homesteads and land has been cleared for croplands or used for grazing,
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Little natural vegetation remains beyond scattered large trees, and there are almost certainly no large wild mammals resident in the area,
There are some potentially sensitive seasonally wetlands on-site, and
Trees such as Marula, Jackal Berry, and Wild Fig that are valuable as food and for the environmental benefits they provide are common.
The drainage basins on the sites are in most cases surrounded by trees, as indicated in figure 9. There are a few other scattered trees on site, but these are very rare. The screening report concluded that there are no significant biodiversity-issues that would stop the townlands from being developed. However, the layout should consider seasonal wetlands, as well as the various protected species of tree in the area, and where necessary apply for permits for these to be moved.
Figure 9: Characteristic of Okahao’s Drainage Basins
7.4.3 Climate, Rainfall and Wind Directions:
Namibia is a hot and dry country, and due to low levels of humidity in the air, the country experiences low levels of cloud cover and rain and extremely high rates of evaporation. The average monthly temperature at Okahao ranges from 17°C in July to 26°C in December. The fewest hours of sunshine experienced per day is about 7 hours in January when there is a lot of cloud cover, and the area also receives the most rain. From May to September, Okahao has about 10 hours of sunlight each day.
Most rain-bearing clouds are fed into the country by north-easterly winds and blocked by dry
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air moving in from the south and the west. (Mendelsohn, 2002) As such, the South and Western parts of the country receive less rainfall than the central and northern parts of the country. The average monthly humidity at midday ranges from 50% in March to 17% in September. Approximately 99% of the annual rainfalls from October to April with January receiving the most rainfall. The average yearly rainfall across the north-central regions increases from west to east, which is less than 300 mm and not more than 550 mm (Mendelsohn, 2002).
Winds in Okahao are infrequent, as the area experiences wind calm about 57% of the time. Winds mostly blow from the East and seldom reach speeds exceeding 10 km per hour. The windiest months are from January to April.
7.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
No graves or other items of historical value were found or could be identified within the two sites boundaries.
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8 DEVELOPMENT INTENTION
The client intends to develop the new portions into four new townships which will consist of mixed-use neighbourhoods, thereby meeting the rising demand for business, institutional plots and housing within Okahao.
8.1 DETAIL OF THE DRAFT PLAN, TABLE AND DESCRIPTION DETAIL
Okahao site A and B will alter the current zoning from undetermined to include 1 230 residential, 11 institutional, 42 general residential, 4 local business, 3 local Authority, 1 hospitality erven, 1 private open space and 88 public open spaces. The erven shapes and sizes are illustrated in figure 10.
The table below provides a summary of the detailed land-use allocation of the entire area while the detail of the overall layout is discussed afterwards.
Table 3: Overall Land Use
OVERALL LAND USE TABLE:
ZONING NO OF ERVEN ERF SIZE AVE ERF SIZE %
SQM SQM
RESIDENTIAL 1 230 6 21 514 505 31
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL 42 1 01 382 2 414 5
LOCAL BUSINESS 4 6 025 1 506 0.3
BUSINESS 24 84 291 3 512 4
LOCAL AUTHORITY 3 1 51 608 50 536 8
HOSPITALITY 1 4 395 4 395 0.2
INSTITUTIONAL 11 79 704 7 246 4
PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 1 42 963 42 963 2
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 88 4 58 745 5 212 23
STREET 4 81 112 24
TOTAL PORTIONS AREA 1 404 20 31 740 100
The overall average erf size of single residential erven is 505 m², which is in line with the structure plan provisions and the requirements of the Okahao Town Council in terms of low-density residential developments for this area.
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Figure 10: Layouts for Site A and B
REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO
TOWNLANDS NO. 1213
LEGEND: RESIDENTIAL GENERAL RESIDENTIAL REMAINDER OF THE FARM OKAHAO BUSINESS LOCAL BUSINESS TOWNLANDS NO. 1213 LOCAL AUTHORITY INSTITUTIONAL HOSPITALITY PRIVATE OPEN SPACE SITE A: PRIVATE OPEN SPACE SITE B:
8.1 STREET LAYOUTS
8.1.1 Road Hierarchy:
Site A: The layout gain access from two approved access points from the C41. To ensure the site is accessible to future extensions, some of the roads have been left open to allow permeability and ease of mobility for future extensions. This can be seen in figure 11.
The largest road in the layout is a 40 m wide connection indicated in the structure plan as a major connection that will link adjacent planned extensions. This road is planned to connect to the C41 to Oshakati in the east to the C41 to Tshandi in the west, creating a ring road south of the central business district of Okahao.
Within the layout 20 m, wide distributor roads are provided, collector roads are 15 m and connect to the distributor roads. The smallest connections are 13 m and function as direct access roads to erven within the layout. 13 m roads are mainly provided along residential erven and collector roads are provided along large business erven to accommodate the large traffic volumes expected in these areas. This can be seen in figure 11.
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Site B: As mentioned before the layout will gain access via two right of way servitudes in favour of the proposed township as indicated in figure 7. The first right of way servitude is 20 m wide and links with Okahao Extension 13 to the north of the proposed portion. The second right of way servitude is 30 m wide over the Okahao Townlands Extension No. 1213 to link with Okahao Extension 10 to the east of the site.
As within site A, some of the roads (access points) have been left open to allow permeability and ease of mobility for future extensions.
Within the layout 20 and 18 m, wide distributor roads are provided, collector roads are 15 m and connect to the distributor roads. The smallest connections are 13 m and operate as direct access roads to erven within the layout.
Figure 11: Road Hierarchy
ACCESS ACCESS
ACCESS
C41
ACCESS
LEGEND:
13 M ACCESS ROAD
15 M COLLECTOR ROADS
20 AND 18 M DISTRIBUTOR ROADS
40 AND 30 M ARTERIAL
FUTURE ACCESS
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8.1.2 Provision for Pedestrians:
The proposed 16 m, 15 m and 13 m road reserves include sufficient space to accommodate pedestrian lanes and areas for landscaping.
Figure 12: Proposed Road Reserves
8.1.3 Provision for Drainage:
Roads will include drainage points. Culverts will be used to let water flow naturally without any obstructions.
8.2 SITE A: PROPOSED LAND USE
Site A will alter the current zoning from undetermined to include 593 residential, 28 general residential, 16 business, 4 local business, 3 local authority, 1 hospitality, 5 institutional erven, 1 private open space and 23 public open spaces. The erven shapes and sizes are illustrated in figure 13.
Table 4: Site A: Land Use Summary
SITE A: LAND USE TABLE
ZONING NO. OF ERVEN ERF SIZE/ AVE ERF SIZE % SQM SQM RESIDENTIAL 593 3 99 939 674 33 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL 28 64 826 2 315 5 LOCAL BUSINESS 4 6 025 1 506 0.5 BUSINESS 16 74 399 4 650 6 LOCAL AUTHORITY 3 1 51 608 5 0 536 13 HOSPITALITY 1 4 395 4 395 0.4 INSTITUTIONAL 5 40 730 8 146 3.4 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 1 42 963 42 963 3.6 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 23 1 37 907 6 269 12 STREET 3 98 448 23 TOTAL PORTIONS AREA 674 11 93 088 100
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Figure 13: Site A: Layout and Land Use
LEGENEGENDD: RESIDENTIAL GENERAL RESIDENTIAL
BUSINESS LOCAL BUSINESS LOCAL AUTHORITY INSTITUTIONAL HOSPITALITY PRIVATE OPEN SPACE PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
8.2.1 Site A: Provision for Business and Institutional Land Use:
Figure 14: Site A: Business and Institutional Land Use
A total of 16 business erven have been provided with the largest business erven located along the C41 road. The business land use takes about 6% of the total area with an average erf size of 4 650 m². As can be seen in figure 14, the largest business erf is approximately 1.1 ha and is located along the C41 main road.
Foure local business erven have also been provided within this extension. This will serve the immediate neighbours and will be developed to be a local street shop with light everyday commodities. One erf is provided for the establishment of an accommodation facility. This erf can be developed into a bed and LEGEND: breakfast or hotel to accommodate the various exhibitors that will BUSINESS LOCAL BUSINESS be trading during trade fairs. This erf is located along the main LOCAL AUTHORITY INSTITUTIONAL C41, which is easily accessible and close to the trade fair site. HOSPITALITY PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
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Recently three new extensions within Okahao was established which will accommodate less than 5000 residents. No primary school has been planned within the extensions as the
EHAO threshold was insufficient for the provision of a school site. As a result, it was proposed that SITE a school site be provided in the next extensions. Therefore, an erf has been provided in this
PRIVATE extension for a primary school which takes up about 2.4 ha and is zoned institutional. OPEN SPACE 8.2.2 Site A: Provision for Residential Land Use: SCHOOL
Figure 15: Site A: Residential Land Use
33% of the total erven provided on the proposed township is zoned for residential purposes for the development of a single residential building per erf.
The erven range in size, though, it is still in accordance with the structure plan, which indicates that the area should be used for low residential developments.
Only 28 general residential erven have been provided for high- density developments. This will accommodate the different income groups in this extension.
LEGEND: RESIDENTIAL GENERAL RESIDENTIAL
8.2.3 Site A: Provision for Public Open Space Land Use:
About 12% of the total land area for this extension has been earmarked for public open space developments. One erf has been earmarked for a private open space within the layout. The erf will be used for sports grounds.
Figure 16: Site A: Public Open Space Land Use
Even though most of these spaces accommodate lower laying areas that are prone to flooding, it can be turned into functional public spaces that can be fully developed to serve its purpose.
These open spaces also act as important drainage sites in this extension.
LEGEND: PRIVATE OPEN SPACE PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
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8.3 SITE B: PROPOSED LAND USE
Site B will alter the current zoning from undetermined to include 637 residential, 14 general residential, 8 business, 6 institutional erven and 65 public open spaces. The erven shapes and sizes are illustrated in figure 17.
Table 5: Site B: Land Use Summary
SITE B: LAND USE TABLE
ZONING NO. OF ERVEN ERF SIZE/ AVE ERF SIZE %
SQM SQM RESIDENTIAL 637 2 21575 350 26 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL 14 36 556 2 459 4 BUSINESS 8 9 892 1 237 1 INSTITUTIONAL 6 38 974 6 496 5 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 65 3 20 838 5 076 38 STREET 2 10 928 25 TOTAL PORTION AREA 730 8 38 769 100
Figure 17: Site B: Layout and Land Use
LEGEND: R ESIDENTIAL GENERAL RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS L OCAL BUSINESS LOCAL AUTHORITY I NSTITUTIONAL HOSPITALITY PRIVATE OPEN SPACE P UBLIC OPEN SPACE
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8.3.1 Site B: Provision for Business and Institutional Land Use:
Figure 18: Site B: Business and Institutional Land Use
Site B: The layout provides for a business and institutional land use node which consists of business, general residential, institutional erven and public open space.
A total of 8 business erven have been provided within the layout, which has an average erf size of 1 237 m². Additionally, the layout provided for 6 institutional erven, which have an average erf size of 6 496 m². The erven are centrally located and is highly accessible by all residents.
LEGEND: BUSINESS INSTITUTIONAL
8.3.2 Site B: Provision for Residential Land Use:
Figure 19: Site B: Residential Land Use
The layout made provision for 637 single residential erven with an average erf size of 350 m². Furthermore a total of 14 general residential erven with an average erf size of 2 459 m² were provided.
As per the Namibia Intercensal Demographic Survey Report of 2016, at an average of 4,2 people per household, and 1, 25 households per erf, site A single residential erven will accommodate approximately 3 344 people when fully developed.
LEGEND: RESIDENTIAL GENERAL RESIDENTIAL
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8.3.3 Site B: Provision for Public Open Space:
Figure 20: Site B: Public Open Space A total of 65 public open spaces were provided within the layout. The location of public open spaces was determined by the floodlines identified by the Lithon Flood Evaluation Report. The public open spaces are approximately 3 20 838 m² in extent, which is 38% of the entire site.
LEGEND: PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
8.4 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Establishment of new townships on site A and B will include the change in land use, expansion of new roads, infrastructure and finally the everyday operations. Of which, all have the potential to cause environmental and social impacts.
The following is a list of potential impacts identified through the scoping process:
POTENTIAL POSITIVE IMPACTS:
Impact on the housing supply within the Okahao Townlands,
Injection of capital into the local economy during construction, and
Injection of capital into the local economy during operations.
POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE:
Impact of removing trees,
Impact of dust,
Impact of noise,
Impact on traffic flow during construction,
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Impact on the health and safety of workers’, and
Impact of waste.
POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS DURING OPERATIONS:
Impact of waste during operation.
9 POTENTIAL IMPACTS
9.1 PROJECT BENEFITS
Contributing towards meeting the housing demand in Okahao. The project will be contributing towards meeting the housing demand in the town and the region. The development will impact and cater to individuals moving from homesteads, thereby opening up more affordable housing within the Okahao.
Injection of capital into the economy during construction. The construction of the development will take place over several years and will employ up to a thousand workers. It is not clear at this stage which skill sets would be required, nor the extent to which employment opportunities could be created in the project area. The benefits to the local community from jobs could be dependent on the extent of local recruitment and the measures put in place to ensure preferential local gender-based recruitment where possible.
Injection of capital into the economy during operations. The development will lead to employment creation during the operation phase. More importantly, the layout was done to create more local business opportunities by creating new business erven. Such businesses will render services within the formal economy, employ staff, contribute to rates and taxes and spend money within the same economy.
9.2 NEGATIVE IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION
Impact of the removal of trees from the site. Roads and infrastructure construction will include the removal of some trees.
Impact on traffic during construction. Construction vehicles would need to haul the excavated soil to a disposal site and provide building material and other supplies (i.e. fuel, supplies to the construction site etc.), most of which could be delivered to the site by trucks. Construction vehicles are most likely to pass in close proximity to residential erven, as well as disrupt traffic flow on the main road C41 and the D3635 (although the exact access routes to the site are yet to be defined).
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Impact of dust. The movement of construction vehicles on bare soil will cause excessive dust, which will expose residents near and workers on the site to dust pollution, which can impact their health. Prevention measures need to be put in place on the site to prevent excessive dust.
Impact of potential construction noise. Heavy construction machinery creates substantial noise, and this will impact the surrounding neighbourhoods. Ongoing noise can cause stress and health impacts on nearby residents.
Impact of construction waste. Solid waste is the expected major source of waste at the construction site. If no waste management plan is in place to address the disposal of general and hazardous waste at the site, it can lead to water and soil pollution on the site, and/or within the water areas.
Impact on the health and safety of workers and nearby residents. Construction activities always have potential risk for workers and nearby residents. Inadequate site management measures can expose workers and residents living near the site to hazardous chemicals and dust and noise. A lack of notices and signs within the area where deep excavation work is done can put the lives of residents and workers in danger.
9.3 IMPACTS DURING OPERATIONS
Impact of operational waste. Solid waste is also expected to be a major source of waste during operations. If now recycling disposal of general waste at the development happen, it can lead to water and soil pollution within the new townships.
10 LAYOUT STRATEGIES
10.1 DEALING WITH POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL IMPACTS
Increased availability of serviced residential erven. Not so much a strategy as a result of the project, it will lead to a formal and permanent occupation of land and security of tenure. The process of the subdivision will create a formal development framework, which would prevent uncontrolled settlement. Furthermore, it will result in formal service networks and minimise the impact on the environment.
Health and wellness. The layouts make provision for much needed safe, serviced residential housing and institutional plots within Okahao. During the raining seasons, the residents will have access to clean water, and the development’s closed sewerage system will prevent pollution from the development’s sewerage system.
During the construction phase, the contractor will need to apply to the Labour Act. Nr 11 of 2007 in conjunction with Regulation 156, ‘Regulations which describe the health and safety of employees at
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work’. Measures to mitigate the health and safety of workers and nearby residents on the site are included in the EMP.
Employment creation and local economic development. The development will lead to employment creation during the construction phase and within the operational phase. Such development will render services within the formal economy, employ staff, contribute to rates and taxes and spend money within the same economy.
Measures need to be put in place to ensure preferential local and gender-based recruitment where possible during the construction phase. Labour enhancement measures are included in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Should these enhancement measures be included, it would significantly influence the rating.
10.2 DEALING WITH NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL IMPACTS
Impact on existing trees. The layout was prepared in such a way to avoid the removal of trees. The trees in the project site will remain intact as far as possible during development. The mitigation measures within the EMP include the accommodation of trees on individual erven, and along the road in such a manner as to allow the positioning and construction of residential buildings and construction of the road without necessitating removal.
Impact on homesteads. As is the norm in the northern towns of Namibia, large tracks of land are covered by mahangu fields and traditional homesteads. The homesteads and their immediate fences have been included in the layouts as individual erven indicated in figure 21.
Apart from homesteads, there are several other scattered buildings on site. These individual structures are separated enough to be accommodated on individual erven. The in-situ formalisation of existing structures and homesteads into new townships will serve to provide the inhabitants of these structures with valuable access to security of tenure, and future services in the area.
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Figure 21: Layout Strategies
NORED POWER LINE SERVITUDES NORED POWER LINE SERVITUDE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN PUBLIC TO BE RELINED TO ACCOMODATE OPEN SPACE. NEW ERVEN.
SOME EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURES AND HOMESTEADS ACCOMMODATED WITHIN THE LAYOUT.
LEGEND:
FLOOD AREAS SOME FLOOD AREAS WHICH ARE HOMESTEADS WITHIN THE LAYOUT ACCOMMODATED WITHIN PUBLIC OPEN SPACE. `P UBLIC OPEN SPACE
NORED SERVITUDE
SERVITUDE REALIGNMENT AREA
Potential flooding. Okahao has low lying areas which are known for rainwater accumulation during raining season. During the planning phase law laying contours were identified, which forms wetlands within the sites. The layout accommodated wetland areas within public open space. By accommodating
wetlands areas within public open space is to ensure that limited development takes place within the wetlands. Wetland areas within the road reserve will be filled when constructing the road.
Nored power line servitudes. Nored power lines will be accommodated within the public open space on the layouts. A part of the power line servitude will be relined within project area A, to accommodated new erven. This is to ensure that no development will take place under power lines.
The potential impact of pollution on the surrounding environment. If left without planning, Okahao will see more informal development. Without the necessary service provision, this would likely lead to pollution, contamination and the disturbance of the groundwater aquifer. However, this impact is mitigated through the formal planning and development process, which will result in proper service provision.
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At the construction site, high importance shall be placed on waste management, and need to be performed daily. Solid waste is the expected major source of waste at the construction site, and therefore, a Waste Management Plan (WMP) must be compiled. The WMP must address measures for the uses and the disposal of general waste and hazardous waste at the site, as indicated within the EMP.
During the operational phase, the household and business waste needs to be collected and disposed of regularly by the Okahao Town Council or other service provider, and the sewer system needs to be inspected regularly and any leaks/blockages must be attended to immediately.
10.3 DEALING WITH RESIDUAL IMPACTS
10.3.1 Residual Social Impacts:
Residual impact on homesteads. Not all the homesteads can be accommodated on the layout. The owners of these homesteads are aware that they are within the townlands and will need to make way for future development. In all the cases where homesteads are in the way of development, the owners will be compensated as per the provisions of the Cabinet Compensation Policy Guidelines for Communal land.
10.3.2 Residual Environmental Impacts:
Existing trees. The layout and the EMP were prepared to prevent the removal of existing trees on sites. Trees within the project site will remain intact as far as possible during development. However, not all the trees can be accommodated, and the contractor will need to apply for permits to remove several of the trees. In the case where the fruit trees and mahangu field exists, the owner will be compensated as per the provisions in the Cabinet Compensation Policy Guidelines for communal land.
Dust and noise. The EMP will address mitigation measures to prevent, avoid or control dust and noise from the construction site. Though, not all dust and noise can be limited on the construction site.
Construction traffic. Emphasise are placed within the EMP that the contractor needs to provide a traffic plan which address mitigation measures to prevent or control description of traffic as a result of construction work. However, not all disruptions can be avoided, and therefore the surrounding community may experience some traffic disruptions.
Health and safety. During the construction phase, there will be a potential impact on the health and safety of the workers, as a result of their work environment. However, this will be limited, and methods to limit it are contained in the EMP.
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Flood areas. The project accommodates the flood areas within public open spaces. However, some erven are located partly within low lying areas which are known for rainwater accumulation during raining seasons and will have to be filled up.
11 SUMMARY AND APPLICATION
11.1 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL PROJECT IMPACTS
MEASURES: POTENTIAL RESIDUAL IMPACT: IMPACTS: AVOIDANCE: MITIGATION: ENHANCEMENT: POSITIVE IMPACTS: During the Stimulate construction phase, local economic development the construction and create company will render employment service within the opportunities: formal economy, employ staff, pay rates and taxes and
spend money all
within the same economy. Emphasis must be placed on the requirement and
employment of local people.
Permanent Occupation of The development will land and lead to a formal and Security of permanent tender: occupation of land
and security of tenure.
The project will create a formal development framework, which
would prevent uncontrolled settlement.
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MEASURES: POTENTIAL RESIDUAL IMPACT: IMPACTS: AVOIDANCE: MITIGATION: ENHANCEMENT:
The development will Employment lead to employment creation and creation during the local economic operation phase. development: More importantly, the layout was done to create more local business opportunities by creating new business erven.
Such businesses will render services within the formal economy, employ staff, contribute to rates and taxes and spend money within the same economy.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS: Some trees will REMOVAL OF Removal of Trees will be need to be EXISTING existing trees accommodated removed. TREES: within:
- Individual erven. - The road
alignment, reserve, - Permits need to be
obtained before the removal of trees and
- Owners of fields and fruit trees will be compensated
as per the provisions of the Cabinet
Compensation Policy Guidelines for Communal
land.
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MEASURES: POTENTIAL RESIDUAL IMPACT: IMPACTS: AVOIDANCE: MITIGATION: ENHANCEMENT: Not all Owners will be Impact on homesteads and compensated as per homesteads: structures can be the provisions of the accommodated Cabinet Compensation within the layout Policy Guidelines for Communal land.
Avoided Dust: Not all the dust POTENTIAL DUST potential dust and noise can be AND NOISE ON THE and noise at No removal of prevented. SITE DURING THE the vegetation or soil on CONSTRUCTION construction the site except PHASE: sites where necessary during the
construction phase.
Noise:
Noise will be restricted between
07h00 and 18h00.
Avoid traffic POTENTIAL Traffic during the Not all the traffic disruptions INCREASE IN construction phase will disruptions can near the sites TRAFFIC be restricted between be prevented. during DISRUPTIONS 07h00 and 18h00. DURING THE construction CONSTRUCTION PHASE:
Not all the health Avoid health Proper construction HEALTH AND and safety and safety practices and safety SAFETY OF aspects of the problems on procedures need to WORKERS: workers can be the sites be applied. prevented.
Power line servitudes THE NORED will be accommodated POWER LINES SERVITUDES: within the public open space on the layouts.
A part of the power line servitude will be relined within project
Site A
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MEASURES: POTENTIAL RESIDUAL IMPACT: IMPACTS: AVOIDANCE: MITIGATION: ENHANCEMENT:
THE POTENTIAL Avoid The layout need t Some erven will IMPACT ON THE interfering stays clear of the need to be filled WETLAND AREA: with the bio- natural waterline. up. dynamic of the flood-plain. Hydrological infrastructure will be
used to manage the natural water flow.
The sewer system will consist of a closed gravity system, which will pump the sewer
to the town’s
evaporation ponds.
NON-STRUCTURAL POTENTIAL Avoid MEASURE: Not all flood FLOODING: potential impacts can be flooding Use the natural water prevented. flow line and accommodated the topography of the land.
STRUCTURAL MEASURES: Make use of culverts through roads.
Erven will be filled- in to prevent flooding.
THE POTENTIAL The impact on IMPACT ON contamination of CONTAMINATION groundwater resource OF GROUNDWATER will be mitigated RESOURCE. through the formal planning and development process, which will result in proper service provision.
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12 APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE
Given the findings of this baseline investigation, there are no current future environmental impacts and future identified as a result of the creation of the street portions or the construction actives in the watercourses of the area within Okahao.
The application form for an Environmental Clearance Certificate as per Section 32 is attached as Annexure “1” to this Screening Report.
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13 REFERENCES
Curtis, B. et al. (2005). Tree Atlas of Namibia. Windhoek: National Botanical Research Institute.
GBIF. (2012). Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved July 7, 2012, from http://www.gbif.org
Irish, J. (2013). Environmental Screening Report for Township Extension Okahao. Windhoek: Biodata Consultancy cc.
Lithon (2016). Flood evaluation and inundation mapping for the integrated spatial development framework for Okahao.
Mendelsohn, et al. (2002). Atlas of Namibia: A Portrait of the Land and its People. Cape Town: David Philip Publishers for The Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
NBD. (2013). The Namibian Biodiversity Database.
Tamayo Milanés, C. V. et al. (2011). Northern Regional. Flood Risk Management Plan. Publishers for The Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development.
SABIF. (2012). Retrieved July 17, 2012, from South African Biodiversity Information Facility Portal: http://www.sabif.ac.za
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