Namibia Water Sector Support Program (Nwssp): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (Sesa) / Environmental and Social Management Framework (Esmf)

NAMIBIA WATER SECTOR SUPPORT PROGRAM (NWSSP): STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (SESA) / ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF)

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (SESA) REPORT DRAFT 1 OCTOBER 2019

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK NAMIBIA: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND FORESTRY (MAWF) (AFDB)

Project Scoping Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report / Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)

LIST OF TABLES ...... IV LIST OF FIGURES ...... IV

ACRONYMS ...... V DEFINITION OF TERMS ...... VII EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... VIII

1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1. THE ROAD TO NAMIBIA WATER SECTOR SUPPORT PROGRAM (NWSSP) ...... 1 1.2. STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT ...... 2 1.3. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH ...... 3 1.3.1. THE ASSESSMENT APPROACH OF THE STRATEGIC COMPONENT ...... 3 1.3.2. ASSESMENT APPROACH OF THE ESMF ...... 4 1.3.3. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ...... 4 1.4. STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT ...... 4 2. CHAPTER TWO: PROGRAM (NWSSP) DESCRIPTION ...... 7 2.1. NWSSP GOAL ...... 7 2.2. NWSSP COMPONENTS ...... 7 2.2.1. NWSSP IMPLEMENTATION ...... 8 2.3. LIST OF NWSSP PROJECTS ...... 8 2.4. PROJECT SITE, LAND USE , CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 9 2.5. BENEFITS OF THE NWSSP ...... 18 2.5.1. ECONOMIC BENEFITS ...... 18 2.5.2. SOCIAL BENEFITS ...... 18 3. CHAPTER THREE: LEGAL AND ADMINISTARTIVE FRAMEWORK, INSTITUTIONAL ANAYLSIS ...... 20 3.1. NAMIBIA’S LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 20 3.2. AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AFDB LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK ...... 34 3.2.1. AFDB OPERATION SAFEGUARDS ...... 34 3.2.2. AFDB SAFEGUARD POLICIES ...... 36 3.3. APPLICABLE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND GUIDELINES ...... 38 3.3.1. THE EQUATOR PRINCIPLES ...... 38 3.3.2. STOCKHOLM DECLARATION ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT, STOCKHOLM (1972) ...... 38 3.3.3. UN CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF 1992 ...... 38 3.3.4. INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE ...... 38 3.3.5. UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION ...... 39 3.3.6. AFRICAN CONVENTION ON CONSERVATION OF NATURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES...... 39 3.3.7. UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN 1995 ...... 39 3.4. REGIONAL FRAMEWORKS ...... 39 3.4.1. PROTOCOL ON SHARED WATERCOURSES IN THE SADC ...... 39 3.5. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ANALYSIS ...... 40 3.5.1. MINISTRY AGRICULTURE, WATER AND FORESTRY ...... 40 3.5.2. NAMIBIA WATER CORPORATION LTD ...... 40 3.5.3. CITY OF WINDHOEK ...... 40 4. CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE ...... 41 4.1. BACKGROUND ...... 41 4.2. LOCALITY ...... 41 4.3. CLIMATE ...... 41 4.3.1. TEMPERATURE ...... 41 4.3.2. RAINFALL AND EVAPORATION ...... 42 4.4. GEOLOGY ...... 44 4.5. PEDOLOGY ...... 44

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

4.6. HYDROGEOLOGY OF NAMIBIA ...... 46 4.6.1. GROUNDWATER (HYDROGEOLOGICAL) BASINS IN NAMIBIA ...... 49 4.7. FLORA, FAUNA AND ENDEMISM ...... 49 4.7.1. BIOMES AND VEGETATION TYPE IN NAMIBIA ...... 49 4.7.2. DESERT BIOME ...... 50 4.7.3. KAROO BIOME ...... 50 4.7.4. ACACIA SAVANNA BIOME ...... 50 4.7.5. BROAD-LEAFED SAVANNA / WOODLANDS BIOME ...... 51 4.7.6. WETLANDS BIOME ...... 51 4.7.7. COASTAL/MARINE BIOME ...... 51 4.7.8. FAUNA IN NAMIBIA ...... 52 4.7.9. MAMMALS ...... 52 4.7.10. AVIFAUNA ...... 52 4.7.11. FISH/MARINE RESOURCES ...... 53 4.7.12. ENDEMICS OF SPECIES IN NAMIBIA...... 53 4.8. HYDROLOGY, WATER BASINS, WATER SUPPLY AND GOVERNANCE ...... 54 4.8.1. ERONGO REGION ...... 54 4.8.2. HARDAP AND //KARAS REGION...... 54 4.8.3. KAVANGO EAST AND KAVANGO WEST ...... 55 4.8.4. KHOMAS REGION ...... 55 4.8.5. KUNENE REGION ...... 56 4.8.6. OHANGWENA REGION ...... 56 4.8.7. OMAHEKE REGION ...... 57 4.8.8. OMUSATI REGION ...... 57 4.8.9. OSHANA REGION ...... 58 4.8.10. OSHIKOTO REGION ...... 58 4.8.11. OTJOZONDJUPA REGION ...... 59 4.8.12. ZAMBEZI REGION ...... 59 4.9. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ...... 60 4.9.1. NATIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 60 4.9.2. LOCAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 61 4.10. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN NAMIBIA ...... 63 4.10.1. SANITATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 65 5. CHAPTER FIVE: PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES ...... 66 5.1. ALTERNATIVES ASSESSMENT ...... 66 5.1.1. ROUTING ALTERNATIVES ...... 66 5.1.2. LOCATION ALTERNATIVES ...... 66 5.1.3. ENERGY ALTERNATIVES ...... 66 5.1.4. SITING OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 67 5.1.5. NO-GO ALTERNATIVE ...... 67 6. CHAPTER SIX: ANTICIPATED IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES ...... 68 6.1. IMPACTS IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION ...... 68 6.1.1. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 68 6.1.2. SOCIAL IMPACTS ...... 69 6.1.3. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... 72 6.1.4. IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE ...... 73 6.2. FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS ...... 81 7. CHAPTER SEVEN: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES FOR SUB-PROJECT CONSIDERATION ...... 82 7.1. WATER SOURCES (GROUNDWATER OR SURFACE WATER) ...... 82 7.1.1. WATER QUALITY ...... 82 7.2. PIPELINE ROUTING (RIGHT OF WAY) ...... 83

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

7.3. HERITAGE SITES AND CONSERVANCIES ...... 84 7.4. TECHNOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 84 7.4.1. COST OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATER ...... 84 7.4.2. SANITATION TECHNOLOGY ...... 84 7.5. ENERGY CONSIDERATIONS...... 84 8. CHAPTER EIGHT: SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT/ SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 87 8.1. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ...... 87 8.2. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES ...... 88 8.2.1. PHASE 1: ...... 88 8.2.2. PHASE 2: ...... 89 8.3. GENDER ISSUES ...... 89 8.3.1. GENDER MAINSTREAMING ...... 90 8.3.2. NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND GENDER ...... 91 KEY ISSUES RAISED ...... 91

8.4. KEY SOCIAL ISSUES ...... 91 8.4.1. AFFORDABILITY OF THE WATER ...... 92 8.4.2. IMPROVED HEALTH ...... 92 8.4.3. DISPLACEMENT OF PEOPLE ...... 92 8.4.4. EXPECTATIONS ...... 92 8.4.5. HERITAGE SITES ...... 92 8.4.6. PROPERTY RIGHT CONFLICTS ...... 93 8.4.7. HIV/AIDS INFECTION ...... 93 8.4.8. POOR STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ...... 93 8.4.9. FURTHER CONSULTATIONS ...... 93 8.4.10. WATER USE PRIORITIES ...... 93 8.4.11. SAFE AND HEALTHY ISSUES ...... 94 8.4.12. SANITATION ISSUES ...... 94 8.5. KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ...... 94 8.5.1. WATER SOURCES ...... 94 8.5.2. POLLUTION ...... 95 8.5.3. ENVIRONMENTAL DISTURBANCE ...... 95 8.5.4. TECHNOLOGICAL RELATED ISSUES ...... 95 8.6. KEY ECONOMIC ISSUES ...... 95 8.6.1. EMPLOYMENT ...... 95 8.6.2. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ...... 95 8.6.3. IMPROVEMENT OF LIVELIHOODS ...... 95 8.6.4. IMPROVED FOOD SECURITY ...... 96 8.7. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION RELATED ISSUES ...... 96 8.8. LIMITATIONS TO STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION PROCESS ...... 96 9. CHAPTER NINE: ESMF PLAN ...... 98 9.1. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK ...... 98 9.2. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ESMF ...... 98 9.2.1. MONITORING OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES ...... 99 9.3. ACCOUNTABILITY AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISMS ...... 99 9.3.1. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISMS ...... 99 9.3.2. SUB-PROJECT-LEVEL GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISMS ...... 99 9.3.3. ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS ...... 100 9.4. MITIGATION MEASURES FOR IDENTIFIED IMPACTS ...... 100 10. CHAPTER TEN: INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AND STRENGTHENING PLAN ...... 103 10.1. INTRODUCTION ...... 103

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SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

10.2. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ...... 103 10.3. STRENTHERNING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF MAWF ...... 105 10.3.1. TRAINING NEEDS AT MAWF NATIONAL OFFICE ...... 105 10.3.2. TRAINING NEEDS AT MAWF REGIONAL LEVEL ...... 105 10.4. STRENTHERNING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF NAMWATER ...... 106 10.5. EXECUTION OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES...... 106 CONCLUSION ...... 107 ANNEX 1: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ...... 109 ANNEX 2: PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTORS ...... 154 ANNEX 3: BASELINE DATA ...... 155 ANNEX 4: BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 165

List of Tables Table 1: NWSSP Components ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 2: List of 25 sub-projects of the NWSSP ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 3: Sub-projects Information and Description ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4: Applicable AfDB SPs ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 5: Summary of Namibia's Hydrogeological Units per Basin ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 6: Impact Assessment Criteria as per the IFC (2012) ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 7: Impact significance (IFC, 2012)...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 8: AfDB Key Environmental Policies Triggered ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 9: Environmental Impacts assessment for bulk water supply infrastructures, rural water supply and sanitation components ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 10: Environmental Impact and Aspects assessment for wastewater treatment and reclamation project activities ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 11: Checklist for selecting sub-projects alternatives ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 12: Inception meetings with the three Implementing agencies .... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 13: Details of the Regional stakeholder consultation meetings .... Error! Bookmark not defined.

List of Figures Figure 1: Namibia Locality Map Figure 2: Namibia Average Annual Temperature regimes .... 43 Figure 3: Soil Map of Namibia ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 4: Hydrogeological map of Namibia with rock bodies' groundwater potentialError! Bookmark not defined. Figure 5: Groundwater basins and hydrogeological regions in Namibia . Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 6: Water Basin Map of Namibia ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 7: Gender representation during national stakeholder meetings with poor woman and youth representation ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Figure 8: Water use priorities from stakeholders...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 9: Other permits and licenses requirements stakeholders recommended before implementation...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 10: Mitigation measures of the identified impacts...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

ACRONYMS

AfDB African Development Bank BEE Black Economic Empowerment BMCs Basin Management Committees BOT Built Operate and Transfer CAN Central Area of Namibia CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CBM Community Based Management CBNRM Community-Based Natural Resource Management CCWSS Cabinet Committee on Water Supply Security CLTS Community-Led Total Sanitation CoW City of Windhoek CPBN Central Procurement Board of Namibia DAPEES Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and EngineeringServices DPR Direct Potable Reclamation DRWSS Directorate of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry DWSSC Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan ENWC Eastern National Water Carrier EPFIs Equator Principles Financial Institutions ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework GDP Gross Domestic Product GHGs Greenhouse Gases GIS Geographic Information System GRN Government of the Republic of Namibia GRP Grievance Redressal Panel HPP Harambee Prosperity Plan IBAs Important Bird Areas IFC International Finance Corporation IPAs Important Plant Areas IPAs Important Plant Areas ISS Integrated Safeguards System IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management LAC Legal Assistance Centre LNOB Leave No-one Behind M&E Monitoring & Evaluation MAWF Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism MGECW Ministry of Gender Eqaulity and Child Welfare

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

MITSMED Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development MLR Ministry of Land Reform MoHSS Ministry of Health and Social Services MSA Marine Protected Area MSYNS Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services NAFAU Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union NamWater Namibia Water Corporation Ltd NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NCCC National Climate Change Committee NCCSAP National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan NDP National Development Plan NGO Non-governmental organization NHCN National Heritage Council of Namibia NHRAP National Human Rights Action Plan NPC National Planning Commission NSA Namibia Statistics Agency NWSSP Namibia Water Sector Support Program ODFN Open Defecation-Free Namibia OS Operational Safeguard PPE personal protective equipment PPP Policy, Program and Plan RoW Right Of Way SADC Southern Region Development Committee SDGs Sustainable Development Goals SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SESA Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment SP Safeguard Policies TCE Technical Committee of Experts TFCA Transfrontier Conservation Area UN United Nations UNAM University of Namibia UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNICEF United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund VPL Ventilated Pit Latrines WDM Water Demand Management WRM Water Resources Management WSASP Water Supply and Sanitation Policy WSS Water Supply Scheme WSSCC Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council WWAP World Water Assessment Programme

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The ‘Bank’ – this refers to the African Development Bank (AfDB) that is providing both the technical and financial assistance for the implementation of NWSSP.

The ‘Consultant’ – this refers to the team that is conducting the SESA and the preparation of the ESMF of the Program

The ‘Government of Namibia’ – this refers to the host government that will oversee the implementation of the NWSSP through Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF).

The ‘Implementing Agencies’ – this refers to the institutions/departments that are directly involved in the implementation of the NWSSP, these are City of Windhoek (CoW), Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) and MAWF.

The ‘Stakeholders’ – this refers to the people, organisations, NGOs that are directly or indirectly affected and interested by the project.

The ‘Environment’ – this refers to the ecology, economy, society and politics.

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SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Namibia is currently facing water scarcity, water supply and sanitation problems, and to address the challenge, the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) embarked on implementing the Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP) supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The program is aimed at increasing access, quality and sustainability of water supply and sanitation services in Namibia facilitating the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 of the United Nations. The NWSSP has been designed to cover critical and urgent water supply and sanitation activities across Namibia. The NWSSP program will comprise the four main components: i) Climate-resilient bulk water infrastructure implemented by NamWater, ii) Wastewater treatment and reclamation implemented by the City of Windhoek, and iii) Rural water supply and sanitation implemented by MAWF and the cross- cutting soft component iv) Institutional capacity building and program management aimed at improving the implementation of NWSSP. A Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA/SEA) was prepared to assess the broader, upstream, more long-term strategic perspective. The aim is to integrate strategic environmental and social considerations systematically into the preparation and execution of NWSSP. The program activities are deemed to be of high or medium environmental and social risk. The key objective of this SESA is to examine alternative options in order to assess the potential environmental and social implications – positive and adverse of the NWSSP and the institutional options for the monitoring and management of its resulting environmental and social impacts over time. The principal aim of this SESA is to identify and evaluate potential environmental and social impacts associated with the proposed Water Supply Infrastructure Development activities and to provide mitigation measures for such impacts. The SESA also maps the way forward for site-specific assessments for the sub-projects and provides a framework for screening the environmental issues and development of site specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs). It establishes a unified process for addressing all environmental and social policy issues in sub-components from preparation, through review and approval to implementation. The proposed NWSSP will have sub-projects that will have a wide array of activities that poses risk to the environment and social status quo. The posed risks will have impacts both negative and positive emanating from planning, construction and operation. This is because the water infrastructure development activities may involve some amount of trenching, drilling, land clearances, power usage and manual labour. These activities potentially affect the environment and social aspects. Impacts will include intrusion to private properties, social and cultural ties intrusion as well as water abstraction from aquifers, rivers and dams during operational phase, opening of community forests and conservancies, impacts on cultural & heritage sites, potential surface and groundwater pollution during construction and operation of sanitation structures. The program will have accrued positive impacts among improved community livelihood, healthy, economic growth, and employment of people. The anticipated environmental and social impacts were ranked and analysed in terms of their probability, extend and gravity, a framework or methodology to ensure that these impacts are incorporated into individual sub-projects ESMPs has been developed. The lead implementing Agent Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry (MAWF) with the help of Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and an Appointed Environmental and Social Management Consultant will monitor Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) implementation through ensuring implementation of sub-projects

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SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

ESMPs. The ESMF will ensure that all project impacts are addressed in accordance to pre-mapped impacts in the SESA and sub-project specific ESMPs. The Technical Assistant team from all implementing agencies will be also taking advice from the Independent Environmental and Social Management Consultant. The stakeholders and implementing agencies’ consultation phase have revealed that for the effective implementation of the NWSSP, the Technical Assisting team will have to be highly dynamic and multi- disciplinary ensuring that a wide array of issues is taken into consideration in project implementation. In addition, short term training courses and capacity building courses in ESMF and ESMP implementation for implementing agencies in required. In addition, water infrastructure installation, repairs and management courses are also required in selected communities as well as some departments of MAWF and NamWater. Training and seminars will also be required for building capacity and awareness in social and environmental issues in beneficiary communities in water resources management, climate change, environmental conservation, and home-based sanitation and HIV/AIDS. Guidelines on project sites and technology alternatives were also highlighted, thus is in terms of least cost, environmentally and socially sustainable. The main areas where alternatives for minimizing the significance of potential negative environmental impacts are in water activity size, siting and operation. Each sub-project must consider all possible alternatives and must undergo the whole screening process to minimise any associated impacts. Preparation of this SESA consisted of the following aspects: a) Establishment of baseline socio-environmental conditions, b) Review of policy, regulations, institutional framework at national, regional, international and AfDB Environmental and Social safeguard policies c) Assessment of potential environmental and social impacts, d) Analysis of alternatives, e) Assessment of capacity building requirements, f) Preparation of the environmental and social management framework and g) Providing guidelines for screening, approval and implementation of sub-projects ESMPs. This SESA documents enables a full compliance to AfDB’s Environmental and Social safeguard policies and Namibian Environmental management and related regulations and policies. The SESA does not only require compliance with the AfDB and national regulations and policies, but also applicable regional and international. The preceding ESMF from the SESA gives adequate guidance on implementation of sub- projects in terms of ESIA/ESMPs screening, preparation, and impacts to consider, expected management options, ESMPs implementation and monitoring.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1. The Road to Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP) The Government of the Republic of Namibia has recently made progress on addressing the water supply and sanitation problems that is affecting the country. This is evidenced by the recent government’s effort since the millennium on formulating and implementing policies, programs and frameworks that aim to address the water supply and sanitation challenges. Significant progress through the implementation of the following: - The Water Act 54 of 1956; - The Water Policy for Namibia (2000); - The Water Supply and Sanitation Policy (WSASP) of 2008; - The Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Plan of 2010; and - The Water Resources Management Act No. 11 of 2013. The above policies and frameworks are aimed on ensuring water security, management, protection and promote conservative use of water resources in Namibia. However, there is a lot to be done to ensure that the provision of equal access to safe, reliable clean water and basic sanitation to all the citizens is achieved by 2030. The urgent need to address these challenges created an opportunity for the implementation of all-inclusive Namibia’ Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP) that would allow 25 sub-projects composed of short, medium and long-term water supply and sanitation interventions to be implemented across 14 regions of Namibia. The projects will be implemented by three implementing agencies, which are: i. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF); ii. Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) and iii. City of Windhoek (CoW).

Namibia has emerged a new water struggle experienced since the past two decades. The country is facing a dire national water crisis in which it is experiencing one of the worst droughts in 50 years – exacerbated by a changing climate described by mainly poor and erratic rainfalls. This is affecting both the rural and urban communities. The water crisis has put pressure on existing and potential water resources resulting in water insecurity and scarcity challenges. This explains the critical need of the NWSSP to Namibia. This has caused the problem to be a national concern facilitating the need for an immediate intervention by the Government to offer both short- and long-term sustainable solutions. The water production/delivery systems in Namibia are suffering substantial pressure, a situation that highlighted the vulnerability of some sections of the populations to water shortages, especially in remote rural districts. The agricultural sector is also heavily affected. Increasing temperatures coupled with low rainfall continue to strain the bulk water supply system in the country. The limited availability of bulk water supply has since become a critical constraint worsened by several major water reservoirs that are running low with availability of water not only for industry, but also for human consumption becoming affected. The brief background above indicates the strong need for an immediate intervention to make significant improvements on both water demand management and promotion of water saving measures in view of water scarcity. The GRN’s Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) and the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5) identify availability and affordability of water as crucial for Namibia’s transformation into an industrialized economy. The Constitution of Namibia states that everyone has the right to life. For that view, without

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report access to safe water or adequate sanitization, the right to life is at risk. The UN General Assembly on 28 July 2010 also recognizes access to water as basic human right. In support of this effort, the Government of Namibia has launched a Cabinet Committee on Water Supply Security (CCWSS) on the 20th of July 2016 and has since increased efforts within the framework of the Water Resources Management Act (2013) to promote efficiency of the management, protection and conservative use of water resources that encourages savings and reduces leakages. The Government of Namibia intervention through the launching of the Namibia’s Water Sector Support Flagship initiative is aiming at extending and maintaining water and sanitation services to the people. This is within the context of dry climate and unpredictable as well as low rainfall, which call for conscious and efficient utilization of available water resources. The NWSSP consequently contribute to the achievement of Namibia’s HPP and NDP5 objectives as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Water scarcity continues to be a serious constraint in achieving the economic, environmental and social development agenda in Namibia. With highly variable and unpredictable rainy seasons in the country, the priority is given to water for domestic purposes including livestock. The second priority is then given to water for economic activities such as mining, industries and irrigation. The program is designed to cover critical, urgent water supply infrastructure development and sanitation activities as prioritised by the Technical Committee of Experts (TCE) supporting the Cabinet Committee on water established by Presidential order.

1.2. Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment The implementation of NWSSP has triggered the necessity of the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment study. The Namibia Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2007 on section 54 regulates that before a policy, program or plans are implemented, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) should be conducted. The AfDB Integrated Safeguard policies and Operational Safeguards explain that all programs or plans that have potential environmental and social impacts; positive or negative, required a strategic environmental and social assessment (SESA) to be conducted prior program implementation when they are lending governments. Therefore, this report represents the SESA for the implementation of NWSSP by the Government of the Republic of Namibia. Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) is a process for evaluating, at the earliest appropriate stage, the environmental quality and consequences of a policy, plan or program initiatives by statutory bodies. The purpose is to ensure that the environmental consequences of plans and programs are assessed both during their preparation and prior to adoption. The SESA process also gives interested parties an opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts of the proposed plan or program and to be kept informed during the decision-making process. The objectives of this study were to: i. Establish clear procedures and methodologies for the environmental and social assessment, review, approval and implementation of investments to be financed under NWSSP; ii. Establish strategic alternatives and options to manage both the environmental and social impacts; beneficial and adverse, of the NWSSP including managing downstream activities; iii. Assess the institutional context for addressing the environmental and social implications of different options; iv. Determine the training, capacity building and technical assistance needed to successfully implement the provisions of the SESA and; v. Establish public concerns through comprehensive key stakeholder consultation and engagement.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

1.3. Methodological Approach The main aim of this SESA study is to highlight the potential environmental and social impacts for the planned future activities of the NWSSP and prepare a comprehensive management framework (Environmental and Social Management Framework – ESMF) to address management options of the potential negative impacts as well as assigning responsibilities for the management of the impacts for monitoring purposes. The assessment involved comprehensive, free stakeholder participation through a national key stakeholder engagement process that was done in the 13 regions where NWSSP sub-projects will be implemented. The motivation of extensive consultations was to take on board views from a cross section of people, at least from local level, constituency level, regional level and central government level. The NWSSP SESA study allowed incorporation of environmental and social considerations into the implementation of sub-projects at two levels: i. At Strategic level: assessment of legal, policy, regulatory, institutional and capacity context for addressing key environmental and social sustainability issues associated with NWSSP sub-projects implementation at all phases. ii. An Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF): - Assessment of environmental and social risks of interventions/sub-projects proposed under the NWSSP to address the water supply and sanitation challenges facing Namibia. - Improve normative frameworks and institutional capacities for NWSSP implementation, guiding the implementation of the program, assigning roles and responsibilities of the institutions involved in the implementation of the program. The strategic component was tied to the different initiatives, sub-projects and programs to address water supply and sanitation problems while the ESMF component was tied to the responsibilities of the NWSSP implementing stakeholders in order to manage the identified impacts. Both are interlinked. 1.3.1. The Assessment Approach of the Strategic Component The NWSSP SESA study Strategic Component was focusing on: 1. Identifying key environmental and social issues relevant for NWSSP projects implementation: • Situational analysis: assessment of potential environmental and social issues associated with both urban and rural water infrastructure development, operation, management and rehabilitation; • Stakeholder analysis: identification and analysis of key stakeholders in the implementation of NWSSP across the country through regional stakeholder consultation process; • Prioritization of key issues by stakeholders. 2. Assess existing capacities and systems to manage program priorities • Gap analysis: assessment of policy, legal, regulatory and institutional strengths and weaknesses to improve implementation of the program. • Assessment of capacity gaps and the NWSSP intervention. 3. Assess the extent to which the NWSSP strategy addresses the existing institutional, policy, legal, regulatory and capacity gaps to manage the priorities and needs for different beneficiaries. 4. Formulate adjustments and capacity building measures recommended to be included in the NWSSP strategy and the strategic ESMF.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

1.3.2. Assesment Approach of the ESMF The NWSSP ESMF supports an examination of the risks and potential impacts associated with one or more activities that may occur in the future. The framework sets out the principles, guidelines, and procedures to assess environmental and social risks, and propose the management of NWSSP environmental and social impacts through measures that reduce, mitigate, and/or offset potential these adverse environmental and social impacts and enhance positive impacts and opportunities during all the phases of NWSSP sub-projects implementation. The NWSSP ESMF incorporated procedures for: a) Consultations with concerned stakeholder groups; b) Capacity building measures; c) Environmental and social impact screening, assessment, and monitoring; and d) The inter-institutional arrangements for the preparation of time-bound action plans for mitigating adverse impacts. The ESMF was providing the overall framework for addressing social and environmental risk management issues of the NWSSP sub-project at all development phases. 1.3.3. Stakeholder Consultation The consultation formed the key element of both the SESA and ESMF. The stakeholder engagement process was separated into two phases:

Phase 1: This was the first phase and commenced after approval of the SESA contract between AfDB and the Consultant. It started 23rd of August 2019 until 30th of October 2019. The key participant consulted was the three implementing agencies; MAWF, NamWater and CoW. The consultation was on-going throughout the SESA study and it was the longest; and

Phase 2: Stakeholder consultation with a full range of national level stakeholders was done at regional level. The meetings took place in the 13 regions of Namibia between 7th of October to 22nd October 2019 (see Annex 1). One meeting was facilitated in each region where presentations and focus group discussion covering a wide range of issues. During the meetings and consultations, the gender issues and representation was observed including the inclusion of youth and other special demographic that are affected by the implementation of the NWSSP.

1.4. Structure of the Report The report consists of eleven chapters. The table below give a breakdown of the chapters and the content. CHAPTER CONTENT SUMMARY The section provides a concise summary of this SESA report including the baseline conditions; the alternatives considered; mitigation/ enhancement measures. It also presents the monitoring program; consultations with stakeholders across 13 regions; technical and institutional capability of the NWSSP implementing agencies, actions to strengthen those capacities; and cost implications.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

CHAPTER CONTENT ONE: INTRODUCTION Introducing to NWSSP, the section outlines the background of the water security threat in Namibia, list objectives of the SESA study, the methodological approach used for the study and contents of the report. TWO: PROGRAM ACTIVITIES The section gives a detailed rational of the program and the water supply situation DESCRIPTION analysis in Namibia. It outlined the specific program activities, explaining the affected environment for each sub-project covering its area of inﬂuence. It outlines various NWSSP components, capacity, construction activities, facilities, availability and source of raw materials (water resources), land tenure, land use system, affected groups (directly and indirectly), and offsite investments that may be required. The chapter give a brief motivation of the government on NWSSP and justification of the NWSSP in Namibia including the socio-economic benefits of the program to Namibia. THREE: GOVERNANCE & The Chapter explain all the Namibia’s applicable legal, policy framework that is INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK affected or affecting NWSSP implementation, the AfDB safeguard polices and operational safeguards. The chapter also address other international standards and frameworks relevant to NWSSP including the SADC water regional regulations. The last part of the chapter describes the institutional framework analysis of the NWSSP implementing agencies. FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL AND The Chapter give a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the current SOCIAL BASELINE DATA environmental and social settings of Namibia. It covers the bio-physical environment; geology, topography, soils, climate, available water resources to support NWSSP and the current water resources management scenarios across the country. The socio-economic environment including the population, economic activities are expanded here. FIVE: PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES The section describes all possible alternatives to the proposed NWSSP including the status quo or “no-go” alternative that provides a benchmark for the SESA. The assessment of all the possible alternatives included options that are technically and economically feasible. SIX: POTENTIAL The Chapter describe the anticipated impacts, the environmental and social; ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL positive and negative. The section explains the accredited IFC environmental and IMPACTS social assessment criteria that was used to define, weight, quantify and value the impacts identified for NWSSP sub-components. The use of a matrix rank criteria to assess significance of the identified impacts was established in the chapter. SEVEN: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS This section presents a comparison of the identified alternatives for proposed OF ALTERNATIVES NWSSP sub-projects. The alternative comparison was particularly on-site locations of sub-projects, technology, design, and operation, in terms of its potential environmental and social impacts and the feasibility of mitigating these impacts. Criteria used to compare alternatives are described here in clear terms and easy to understandable by decision makers. The section describes how the alternative analysis was guided by stakeholder input, through appropriate consultation mechanisms. The chapter further on outline the procedure use for comparison of alternatives the NWSSP SESA and describe how the optimal alternative in terms of environmentally and socially sustainable, considering the technical and economically feasibility of the proposed programme, was considered. EIGHT: SUMMARY OF The section describes in detail the stakeholder engagement process for this SESA STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION study among the reasons for stakeholder consultation, stakeholder identification

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

CHAPTER CONTENT and analysis, all the meetings and focus group discussions held in 13 regions of Namibia. The locations and venues of all consultation meetings held across the country including the number of participants and level of representation at each consultation meeting is given in this section. The ideas, contributions or opinions expressed by the key stakeholders are also presented in this section as well as the extent to which they were incorporated into the design of the NWSSP. NINE: ESMF PLAN The Chapter introduce the next step; ESMF execution plan. The section outlines the identified measures to prevent, minimize, mitigate or compensate adverse impacts as well as to enhance potential benefits of the selected alternatives. Detailed execution of mitigation management plan will be explained in the ESMF Report. TEN: INSTITUTIONAL The section gives a brief institutional strengthening plan to address weaknesses CAPACITIES AND identified in the SESA study at the environmental and social management level. It STRENGTHENING PLAN outlines the Initiatives that are considered relevant on increase institutional capacities of the NWSSP implementing agencies in terms of training for existing staff, hiring new employees, reorganizing units or agencies and redefining roles and responsibilities for strengthening environmental and social management. Detailed plan on this is given in the ESMF. CONCLUSION The section is specifying the environmental and social acceptability of NWSSP, considering the impacts and mitigation/enhancement measures identified during the assessment process. It lists all other conditions or external requirements necessary for ensuring the successful implementation of NWSSP

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

2. CHAPTER TWO: PROGRAM (NWSSP) DESCRIPTION This chapter presents a detailed description of the specific activities covered under the NWSSP in terms of the sub-projects and activities to be done, their location, and the specific activities triggering the need for environmental and social assessment for these sub-projects. The section further outlines various NWSSP components, capacity, construction activities, facilities, availability and source of raw materials (water resources), land tenure, land use system, affected groups (directly and indirectly), and offsite investments that may be required. A brief motivation of the Government of the Republic of Namibia on NWSSP and justification of the program including the socio-economic benefits of the program to Namibia concludes the chapter.

2.1. NWSSP Goal The program is designed to enhance and ensure that water security for human consumption, agriculture (livestock) and industrial development in Namibia is achieved. The overarching goal of the program is to: • Increase access, quality, security and sustainability of water supply and sanitation services in Namibia. To achieve the above goal, the NWSSP’s intervention is focusing on four components as described below: 2.2. NWSSP Components The program is intervening in four broad components with the aim to improve both the supply and management of water resources in Namibia. The four components are indicated in the table below: Table 1: NWSSP Components No. Component name Details 1 Climate Resilient Bulk Water - Rehabilitation and expansion of critical and urgent major water bulk water Infrastructure Development infrastructure including, water treatment plants, conveyance systems, canals, and pipelines 2 Climate Resilient Sanitation - Rehabilitation, upgrading and expansion of critical and major sewerage Infrastructure Development - networks, wastewater treatment and reclamation systems in Windhoek city. Wastewater treatment and reclamation 3 Rural Water Supply and Sanitation - Construction of Water Supply Schemes, including upgrading of purification plants, construction of tanks, distribution lines with manifolds and water points. Strengthening WASH “water, sanitation and hygiene" service delivery through advocacy, sensitization, promotion of decentralised sanitation & hygiene education, - Development of gender responsive training and promotional material, - Construction of climate resilient inclusive sanitation facilities for vulnerable people who are not able to access or afford a sewerage connection., undertake WASH Friendly school campaign (hand washing and sanitation facilities, responsive to gender and disability), integration of the Leave No-one Behind” (LNOB )in the rural areas, Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) & Sanitation Marketing. 4 Institutional Strengthening and - Enhance the capacity of the sector institutions (MAWF, DWAF, NamWater and Capacity Building and Program City of Windhoek); Management - Inter-sector coordination, especially between line sectors (environment, health, water supply and sanitation, nutrition, education, local economy and local governments authorities;

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

No. Component name Details - Support to Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Information Systems and accountability frameworks to track progress; - Preparation of studies for Phase II projects; - Decentralization and strengthening local level management’ - Community sensitization and mobilization including formation and training water committees, review and update of the CBM, updating of the IWRM plan, development of the country wide water master plan, mainstreaming Gender, Environment, Climate Change & Cross Cuttings Issues; - Support to Environmental Department to enhance its capacity for monitoring environmental and social issues during and beyond project implementation, Operationalising Water Resources Monitoring Network; - Training of national, and municipal staff in sector investment framework, water resources, sanitation and environmental health operationalization of gender guidelines on Water sector; - Skills training and empowerment of women and youth; - Provision of technical assistance for design, supervision and program implementation in accordance with good project management practices, program auditing, project mid-term review; Program M&E and Reporting (including baseline and end-line), Program Implementation Manual.

2.2.1. NWSSP Implementation In view of the level of preparation and readiness of the various sub-projects, as well as considering the emergency nature and urgency to address the impact of the drought and secure long-term water security in Namibia, the program will be implemented in two phases; i. Phase I ii. Phase II Phase I This will cover the emergency/urgent and short to medium term actions and projects to curb water supply challenges, which are ready for implementation to enhance water security. Concurrently, as part of phase I, the program will also support preparation of the required studies (feasibility as well as detailed designs) to ensure that long term projects and activities in Phase 2 are ready for implementation. Phase II This will involve projects that address long term solutions to the water and sanitation challenges facing Namibia. These projects would be developed on a sustainability basis to ensure long term solution. 2.3. List of NWSSP Projects Twenty-five sub-projects are implemented under the NWSSP. Below is the list of the 25 sub-projects across the 13 Regions of Namibia

Table 2: List of 25 sub-projects of the NWSSP Category Specific Project Location/Region Climate Resilient Bulk Ohangwena No. 2 Wellfield Ohangwena Water Infrastructure Abenab Borehole Development Otjozondjupa Development Oshakati Purification Plant Extension Oshana Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline Replacement Erongo

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Specific Project Location/Region Rundu Scheme Extension Kavango East Climate Resilient Direct Potable Reclamation (DPR) Khomas Sanitation Infrastructure Phase 2: New DPR Plant 2 Development - Wastewater treatment and reclamation Rural Water Supply and Rehabilitation of Katima Mulilo – Kongola Water Supply Zambezi Sanitation Project Phase 1 & 2 Ruacana South Water Supply Project Omusati King Kauluma – Omutsegonime Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Oshikoto Construction of improved sanitation facilities All the 13 Regions Otjombinde Water Supply Scheme Omaheke Shamvhura – Shamangorwa Kavango East Water Supply to the Salt Block Hardap and //Karas Iitapa-Okeeholongo Rural Water Supply Project Phase 2 Omusati Katima Mulilo – Ngoma Water Supply Project Phase 3 and 4 Zambezi Katima Mulilo – Kongola Water Supply Project–Phase 3 Zambezi Etaka Raw Water Supply Scheme (source-Olushandja Dam) Omusati Eenhana - Oshikunde Water Supply Scheme Ohangwena Okankolo – Onkumbula Water Supply Scheme Oshana and Oshikoto Epembe Water Supply Scheme Ohangwena Central Northern Rain and Flood Water Harvesting Infrastructure Regions Rundu – Mukwe Water Supply Scheme Kavango East Covering 30km stretch Ohangwena East-Kavango West-Oshikoto Water Supply Ohangwena, Kavango Scheme (Omundaungilo WSS) West and Oshikoto Rundu Mururani Water Supply Scheme Kavango East Rehabilitation of Ogongo – Oshakati WSS in Omusati, Oshana Omusati, Oshana and and Ohangwena Regions Ohangwena Rehabilitation of Katima Mulilo – Kongola Water Supply Zambezi Project Phase 1 & 2

2.4. Project Site, Land Use , Construction and Infrastructure The proposed NWSSP sub-projects consist of rehabilitation work, construction of new water facilities and upgrading of existing infrastructure. This means the impacts of sub-projects to both the environment and social depends on the phases of a specific sub-project development. The table below describe specific activities to be done for each sub-project alluding the sub-project areas, land use, affected environment and sub-project infrastructure.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Table 3: Sub-projects Information and Description Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment Climate Resilient Ohangwena No. 2 Well Ohangwena region in -Communal land area and Eenhana townlands. - Construction and operation of new de- Bulk Water field Eenhana, Omundaungilo fluoridation plant. -The pipelines will follow existing servitudes such as Infrastructure Oshandi and Omafo. roads and power lines. Well fields will have to - Construction of pipeline. Development undergo specific Environmental Assessment for the

project area since they will potentially be in communal and protected land areas. Abenab Borehole Otjozondjupa Region -The project area is already disturbed, since it’s - Drilling of boreholes Development & linking affecting Abenab mine and within a mine area, some of the boreholes existing - Construction of a new scheme with Eastern National farms, Grootfontein and already. Water Carrier Windhoek - Groundwater quantity i.e. eastern water -Affected elements will be water supply to the carrier vs. Abenab farming areas. Water source: Boreholes farming areas surrounding Abenab. This poses potential socio-economic impact in the future in terms of water availability if this area. Oshakati Purification Oshana Region affecting -The purification plant will be constructed in - Construction of a new water purification Plant Extension Oshakati town. Oshakati townlands, just on the existing water plant purification plant. Water source: Olushandja Dam -Potential impacts will be on Olushandja dam water quantity and quality as well as environmental consideration on the main Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken Erongo Region with water -The Omaruru Delta and the National Coast - Construction of new water supply Pipeline Replacement source in Omaruru Delta recreational area will potential be affected by the pipeline dam. The pipeline will pass pipeline construction. through Henties bay until Wlotzkasbaken Rundu Scheme Okavango East Region in -The project will have implications on the - Construction of new scheme Extension Rundu. communal villages along the Okavango River banks as well as the townlands.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment Water source: Okavango -Aquatic fauna and flora will also be affected by River project development.

Climate Resilient Direct Potable Location: Khomas Region -Potential impacts will be on groundwater quality in -Construction of New DPR Plant 2 on a Sanitation Reclamation (DPR) benefiting residents in Windhoek. Built Operate Transfer (BOT) basis Infrastructure Windhoek City with a Phase 2: New DPR -Aquatic water resources in the Goreangab dam will Development - population of over 325 000 Plant 2 potentially be affected. Wastewater people. The project is treatment and covering Windhoek reclamation townlands environs. Water source: Windhoek domestic wastewater Rural Water Rehabilitation of Zambezi Region, being - Communal areas between Kongola and Katima -Construction of Booster pump stations, Supply and Katima Mulilo – implemented in Kongola Mulilo will be affected. Several conservancies such Bulk pipelines from Kongola to Sibbinda, Sanitation Kongola Water Supply and Katima Mulilo with a as Salambala and Mayuni will be affected. Potential Treatment Plant at Kongola, Elevated Project Phase 1 & 2 total population of 40 000 project implications on Mudumu and Siona-Ngwezi reservoirs / tanks and distribution lines people expected to befefit. National Parks will be experienced. with manifolds and water points. Water source: Zambezi -Construction activities will potentially threaten River sensitive environments, threatening local fauna, flora and communities in terms of settlements and farming areas (mahangu fields). Ruacana South Water Omusati Region in Opuwo, -Communal areas in Opuwo, Ruacana and Oshifo - Construction of Booster pump stations, Supply Project Ruacana and Oshifo. With will be affected by pipeline lying. Possible impacts Bulk pipelines, Upgrading of the over 30 000 beneficiaries. on human settlements will be experienced during Olushandja Purification Plant, Elevated

construction. reservoirs / tanks and distribution lines with manifolds and water points. -Potential implications on the Etosha National park and conservancies around the National Park will also be experienced.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment King Kauluma – Oshikoto Region -Water from Oshakati purification plant will be -Construction of Booster pump stations, Omutsegonime Water channelled to Omutsegonime through a new Bulk pipelines, Elevated reservoirs / tanks Water source: Olushandja Supply Scheme pipeline. Potential effects will be on communal and distribution lines with manifolds and dam via Oshakati farmlands (mahangu fields) and Oshanas water points. treatment plant (wetlands/floodplains).

- 5 000 people are expected to benefit from the pipeline Construction of All 14 Regions of -The toilets will be constructed on existing - Construction of 7000 improved sanitation improved sanitation homesteads, or central locations within facilities (500 each of the 14 regions) 500 households per facilities nation wide communities. Region -No major negative impacts are expected from this development except potential groundwater pollution. -Women and children are expected to benefit from this development in terms of potable water supply and sustainable toilet infrastructure. Otjombinde Water Omaheke Region in -Groundwater quantity will potentially be affected - Drilling and installation of water supply Supply Scheme Otjombinde settlement. by water abstraction. boreholes (well field) -7 000 beneficiaries -Pipeline infrastructure will affect private owned - Installations of Booster pump stations, expected. farms and communal land facets in the Otjombinde Bulk pipelines, Elevated reservoirs / tanks area. and distribution lines with manifolds and water points. Shamvhura – -Kavango East Region in -The villages are located on the banks on the - Construction of treatment plant and Shamangorwa Scheme Shamvhura and Okavango River, hence negative impacts will be on booster pumps to extract water from the Shamangorwa villages. aquatic water systems in the Okavango River and Okavango River

construction activities potentially disrupting - Construction of pipeline network communal leasehold farms.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment Water source: Okavango -Overall improvement in food security, sanitation River and potable water is anticipated.

Water Supply to the Hardap & //Karas Regions -The pipeline will be along existing servitudes. - Drilling and installation of a well field Salt Block (Hardap & affecting Mariental, Orab, Potential effects on private farms in the Karas - Construction of pipeline distribution (//Karas regions) Gibeon, Asab, Brukaros region are anticipated as well as conservancy area network which include: Booster pump and Tses. sections in! Khob! Naub Conservancy area. stations, Bulk pipelines, Elevated reservoirs Approximately 10 000 – 15 -Some sections of the pipeline will be upgrading of / tanks and distribution lines with

000 people are expected to existing pipelines; hence residual impacts are manifolds and water points. benefit expected. - Upgrade of existing pipeline scheme Water sources: Boreholes

Iitapa-Okeeholongo Omusati Region covering -There are existing pipelines that will be affected, - Construction of water supply Rural Water Supply Akutsima, Amarika, and new pipelines will affect the surrounding infrastructure in Sub – Area (Okeeholongo Project Phase 2 Okolumono, communal farmlands. – Omeege –Amarika) - Phase 2D. Olumpelengwa, -Of importance these Villages are near the Etosha - Construction of pipeline distribution Uutsathima and Omeege National park, hence the existed of sensitive network which include: Booster pump villages. ecosystems is expected. stations, Bulk pipelines, Elevated reservoirs -10 000 expected / tanks and distribution lines with beneficiaries and water manifolds and water points. coming from the - Upgrading the supply network of Okahao Olushandja Dam Plant Katima Mulilo – Zambezi Region covering -The project environment will be mostly communal - Construction works which includes: Ngoma Water Supply at Bukalo,Ngoma, Kabbe, owned farmlands, hence impacts on mahangu Booster pump, water distribution lines and Project Phase 3 and 4 Lusesse & Ikumwe fields is expected. pipelines. Settlements & Villages -Continuous water supply to improve sanitation and security will be delivered, but there are

potential disturbances on farms demarcation.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment -Salambala conservancy is also going to be affected by the project, hence sensitive fauna and flora may

be affected by project development. Katima Mulilo – Location: Zambezi Region, - Communal areas between Kongola and Katima -Construction of Booster pump stations, Kongola Water Supply being implemented in Mulilo will be affected. Several conservancies such Bulk pipelines from Kongola to Sibbinda, Project–Phase 3 Kongola and Katima Mulilo as Salambala and Mayuni will be affected. Potential Treatment Plant at Kongola, Elevated with a total population of project implications on Mudumu and Siona-Ngwezi reservoirs / tanks and distribution lines

40 000 people. National Parks will be experienced. with manifolds and water points.

Water source: Zambezi -Construction activities will potentially threaten River sensitive environments, threatening local fauna, flora and communities in terms of settlements and

farming areas (mahangu fields).

Etaka Raw Water Omusati Region covering -The project will follow mostly existing servitudes - 130km Etaka Canal from Olushandja dam Supply Scheme Tsandi, Eheke, Okahao, between Eheke and and Oulushandja Dam. to Uuvudhiya earth dams (source-Olushandja Etanda and Onesi. -Mostly affected are communal farms (mahangu - Water pipeline distribution network Dam) fields). Construction.

-Water supply to livestock, improving potable water supply and sanitation will also be

experienced in the project locale.

Eenhana - Oshikunde -Ohangwena Region -Affected settlements will be mostly Elunde Village - Drilling and installation of water supply Water Supply Scheme covering a distance and other communal farmlands in between. boreholes (well field). between Ehnana and -Development will mostly be along the existing - Construction of pipeline distribution Oshikunde. servitude areas network.

Okankolo – Oshana and Oshikoto - Affected settlements will be mostly Onankolo and - Drilling and installation of water supply Onkumbula Water Regions covering Onankolo Onkumbula communities which are communal boreholes (well field). Supply Scheme and Onkumbula Villages. farmlands. - Construction of pipeline distribution network which includes:

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment -Groundwater quantity will be affected by the project. -Development will mostly be along the existing servitude areas Epembe Water Supply Ohangwena Region - Pipelines will run through existing servitudes - Drilling and installation of deep Scheme covering communities of connecting the two settlements. boreholes, Ohenghhomo, Ohamikoka -However, more impacts on groundwater quantity - Construction of defluoridation plant and and Onhinda. Existing on and around the wellfield are expected. construction of pipeline network. servitudes will be used. -Communal areas will be affected by project

infrastructure and benefits. Rain and Flood Water Central Northern Regions -Rain harvesting projects will be done within - Construction of earth dams. Harvesting communities to minimise water supply

Infrastructure infrastructure from rain harvesting facilities. Hence impacts are to be within villages, settlements and

townlands, however the rain harvesting projects will have implications on local ecosystems, river dynamics and groundwater. Rundu – Mukwe -Kavango East Region -Okavhango River aquatic ecosystem and Khaudum - Construction of Booster pump stations, Water Supply Scheme affecting mashare, kaisosi, National Park will be potentially affected by this Bulk pipelines, Elevated reservoirs / tanks Covering 30km Shitemo, Katere ,Mukwe, project. and distribution lines with manifolds and stretch. Uvhungu Vhungu, Mayana water points. -The project is going to improve potable water up to Ngone communities. supply in the communities. -Water source: Okavango -Existing servitudes can be used for the pipeline River infrastructure. Ohangwena East- Ohangwena, Kavango --Pipelines will run through existing servitudes - Drilling and installation of Production Kavango West- West and Oshikoto connecting the two settlements. boreholes (Well field) Oshikoto Water Supply Regions covering Mpungu,

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment Scheme Okongo, Omlonga and -However, more impacts on groundwater quantity - Construction of pipeline distribution (Omundaungilo WSS) Eenhana. on and around the wellfield is expected. network and auxiliary -Community Forest Conservancies such as Okongo Community forest may have sensitive Water source: Boreholes environments affected; however, water supply for household use and wild animals will also be available. Rundu-Mururani Okavango East Region in -Communal land, mahangu fields and some - Construction of pipeline distribution Water Supply Scheme communities between sensitive environs part of the Mangetti National network. Rundu and Mururani. Park.

Water source: Okavango -Positive Socio-Economic impacts are expected

River from availability of potable water. Rehabilitation of Omusati, Oshana and -The existing pipeline is running through an existing - Rehabilitate water supply pipelines and Ogongo – Oshakati Ohangwena Regions and registered servitude. However, rehabilitation water points WSS in Omusati, Ogongongo, Oshikuku and works may have temporary construction impacts Oshana and Oshakati areas are to be on roads, fields and ecological sensitive areas such Ohangwena Regions affected. as the Okongo community Forest and positive impacts on the availability of potable water to Water source: Olushandja communities, conservation areas and the UNAM Dam Campus. Institutional Capacity Development Nationwide -This will not have direct impacts on the physical -There is no need for an Environmental capacity building environment, however strengthening institutional Assessment for the Activity. and program and community capacity to manage, maintain and . management rehabilitate water supply infrastructure will have long lasting positive impacts on the local

environment and resilience to climate change overtime.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Category Project Name Project Location Affected Environment Project Activities Triggering Environmental Assessment -This will also allow for monitoring and evaluation of the project implementation process on inception, mid-term and end of project.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

2.5. Benefits of the NWSSP The implementation of the above NWSSP sub-projects has several positive socio-economic and environmental benefits to Namibia. The benefits should be maximised and enhanced whilst the negative impacts are avoided, if not, minimised or manage, if not then compensate.

2.5.1. Economic Benefits

Economic Productive Time Usage The NWSSP water supply projects are linked not only to community health, but also to the consumption of productive time. In most cases, people particularly women, children and marginalized groups need to cover long distances to collect water. This consume a significant part of their daily productive time. The easy access to safe reliable water means the time spend collecting water is reduced. If a reliable supply of water provided closer to communities, the time previously used to travel long distances to collect water can be more productively spent on attending to household chores, attending livestock and mahangu fields (rural communities), or on other economic and income-generating activities, thereby raising the standard of living for the communities. For urban dwellers, improved supply of water means a boost on industrial production that increases the GDP and economic growth of the country. Community Labour Component The input of the local people/communities would be in the form of labour for clearing ways for the pipelines, construction of treatment water purification plants, excavations, backfill and compaction of the pipeline trenches among various activities. It is the locals to provide all the unskilled labour in their respective areas. The payment they do receive provides a valuable cash injection into the community, particularly for women, who do not otherwise have much income generating alternatives open to them. Construction Salaries The contractors and sub-contractors appointed to carry out the construction work for NWSSP projects at various project development phases and sites must employ labourers from within the Project Area, and therefore from the local communities. On water supply projects, the labour component constitutes approximately 15% of the total costs, which given the high cost of such projects nowadays, translates into a significant amount of money paid to local people employed by the contractor. Since these community members will exclusively be from a previously disadvantaged background, this will contribute, at grass roots level, directly to the stated Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) aims of the Namibian Government.

2.5.2. Social Benefits The NWSSP projects are expected to generate important benefits in bringing safe, hygienic potable water to the population throughout the year. When domestic water is hygienically safe, contamination and water-borne diseases can be excluded, and important resulting health benefits can be expected. For people, who so far had no water in convenient proximity, there will be important changes in the day- to-day life. Time savings will accrue, mainly to children and women. In reducing the workload on women, it is expected that the projects can contribute to an increased sense of self-esteem and responsibility among the female population. Furthermore, improvements to the (hygienic) conditions in which infants are raised, is crucial to curbing infant mortality, which is still rather high in the in most regions of Namibia.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

A generally healthier population is more economically active and productive, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and generally promoting social development.

Skills Development and Transfer Construction Techniques and Skills Using the labour-intensive approach to the NWSSP projects, the involvement of communities where these projects are implemented in construction of various water and related infrastructure supply community members with first-hand, hands-on exposure and experience of various construction methods and techniques. This help the communities with the maintenance and repair of their infrastructure, and since many community members are involved in various construction activities as various project development phases, this create a better awareness within the community at large of the layout and configuration of the various pipeline networks and other infrastructure. With several community members due to help with aspects of construction of the projects, this also helps create a greater sense of ownership of the infrastructures within the larger community. A further benefit is that after completion of the projects, community members can apply for work with civil engineering contractors, with some experience of various constructions to aid their applications. Contractors will be required to locate their construction camps within the project area and employ people from within the project area. This means community members are taken into the employ of the contractors, gain experience on other aspects of civil engineering construction, such as water point construction, concrete works, the erection of elevated reservoirs etc. This represents a significant transfer of construction skills and experience to people in the all the 14 Regions of Namibia where NWSSP projects are implemented, and specifically to the community areas where these projects are developed, most of whom are previously disadvantaged, and into areas which are hitherto largely undeveloped. Following the completion of the projects, this experience will aid community members wishing to pursue employment with other civil engineering contractors on similar or other projects.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

3. CHAPTER THREE: LEGAL AND ADMINISTARTIVE FRAMEWORK, INSTITUTIONAL ANAYLSIS The chapter explains all the Namibia’s applicable legal, policy framework that is affected or affecting the NWSSP implementation, the AfDB safeguard polices and operational safeguards. Other international standards and frameworks relevant to NWSSP including the SADC water regional regulations. The last section describes the institutional framework analysis of the implementing agencies. 3.1. Namibia’s Legal and Administrative Framework The implementation of NWSSP triggers the following Namibia legislations, policies and legal framework: 1. The Constitution of Namibia (1990) 2. The Environmental Assessment Policy of Namibia 1994 3. The Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2007 4. The Environmental Assessment Regulations of 2012 5. The Procedures and Guidelines for Strategic Environmental Assessment of 2008 6. The Water Act 54 of 1956 7. The Water Policy for Namibia (2000) 8. The Water Supply and Sanitation Policy of 2008 9. The Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Plan (2010) 10. The Water Resources Management Act No.11 of 2013 11. The Pollution Control and Waste Management Bill 12. The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance 11 of 1976 13. The National Solid Waste Management Strategy 14. The Soil Conservation Act 76 of 1969 15. The Forest Act 12 of 2001 16. The National Policy on Climate Change for Namibia (2011) 17. The National Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan 2013 - 2020 18. The Nature Conservation Ordinance (1996) 19. The Namibia’s Second National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2013 - 2022 20. The Labour Act 11 of 2007 21. The National Health Act 2 of 2015 22. The National Heritage Act 27 of 2004 23. The Health and Safety Regulations GN 156/1997 (GG 1617) 24. The Public Health Act 36 of 1919 25. The National Gender Policy 2010 – 2020 26. The National Resettlement Policy The table 2 below is assessing how different NWSSP activities at various specific projects development phases during the NWSSP implementation trigger each of the above piece of legislation, policy or legal framework in a two-way objective: i. The role of NWSSP activities to achieve or address the objectives, goals and aims of a policy or law ii. The impacts of NWSSP activities to a policy or law and the need for compliance with specific sections of a policy or law.

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The Constitution of the The Constitution of Namibia which is the supreme law states that For that view, without access to safe water or adequate sanitization, the Republic of Namibia everyone has the right to life. right to life is at risk hence the implementation of NWSSP by MAWF. (1990) Article 9: Slavery and Forced Labour (1) No persons shall be held in All earthworks for the construction of bulk water supply infrastructure and slavery or servitude. sanitation facilities require enormous labour and it trigger Article 9 of the constitution. Contractors and sub-contractors of the civil works for bulk (2) No persons shall be required to perform forced labour water infrastructure projects shall avoid forced labour either through paying wages that are below stipulated minimum wage for community

members/exploit labour from marginalised communities where these projects are implemented.

The articles 91(c) and 95(i) commits the state to actively promote and The extraction and abstraction of both groundwater and surface water sustain environmental welfare of the nation by formulating and respectively during the NWSSP projects activities can potentially result in institutionalising policies to accomplish the Sustainable objectives the overutilization of natural resources (water). Attention should be given which include: to the state of water resources to avoid over exploitation.

• Guarding against overutilization of biological natural resources, • Limiting over-exploitation of non-renewable resources,

• Ensuring ecosystem functionality, • Maintain biological diversity.

The Article 95 of the Constitution states Promotion of the Welfare The provision of access, reliable, safe water and basic sanitation to the of the People of Namibia: doorstep of citizens through the implementation of NWSSP ensures the The State shall actively promote and maintain the welfare of the promotion and maintenance of welfare of people particularly the rural people by adopting, inter alia, policies aimed at the following: marginalised populations; the women and youth. (a) enactment of legislation to ensure equality of opportunity for women, to enable them to participate fully in all spheres of Namibian society; in particular, the Government shall ensure the Provision of domestic/potable water through the NWSSP projects will implementation of the principle of non-discrimination in reduce the pain the pregnant woman has to endure looking for water. remuneration of men and women; further, the Government shall seek, through appropriate legislation, to provide maternity and related benefits for women;

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(b) enactment of legislation to ensure that the health and strength The provision of domestic potable water in rural areas would ensure that of the workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are the children especially the less privileged and orphans are not labour not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity forced to fetch water over long distance. to enter vocations unsuited to their age and strength. Environmental The Environmental Assessment Policy of Namibia states Schedule 1: The NWSSP projects triggers the need for environmental assessments prior Assessment Policy of Screening list of policies/ plans/ programmes/ projects subject to commencement of civil waterworks particularly the bulk water Namibia 1994 environment must be accompanied by environmental assessments. infrastructure and sanitation, wastewater and water purification plants “The NWSSP activities" are on that list. projects as they alter the environment which could result on the damage of the environment.

The policy provides a definition to the term “Environment” broadly The implementation of the NWSSP projects require the assessment of all interpreted to include biophysical, social, economic, cultural, possible strategic options to avoid, minimise or compensate historical and political components and provides reference to the environmental damage associated with the activities. inclusion of alternatives in all projects, policies, programmes and plans. Environmental Requires that activities with significant environmental impact are The nature of NWSSP activities potentially causes environmental impacts Management Act No. subject to an environmental assessment process (Section 27). to the environment. Activities such as installation of pipelines, trenching 07 of 2007 for conveyance system, drilling of boreholes, construction of wastewater Requires for adequate public participation during the treatment and water purification plants potentially causes significant environmental assessment process stakeholders to give their environmental impacts with some impacts revisable and avoided. opinions about a project (Section 2(b-c)). Therefore, proper assessments should lead and advise the program before According to Section 5(4) a person may not discard waste as defined implementation. in Section 5(1)(b) in any way other than at a disposal site declared The SESA study considered full stakeholder participation. Stakeholder by the consultation was done for the whole country at regional level. Section 3 (2) (b) states that “community involvement in natural resources management and the sharing of benefits arising from the use of the resources, must be promoted and facilitated” is key.

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Section 3 (2) (e) states that “assessments must be undertaken for NWSSP projects are involving the utilisation of natural resources (water activities which may have a significant effect on the environment or and land) implemented in various communities. Therefore, all the benefits the use of natural resources”. from the implementation of NWSSP must be shared among communities. Program components like the construction of bulk water infrastructure, excavations, trenching of pipes, drilling of boreholes causes significant

impacts to the environment. Section 27 (2) in sub-sections (a) (b) (c) (i) list land use and The NWSSP projects are all affecting the four listings. The projects are transformation; water use and disposal; resource removal, including utilising land; with potential to transform it to another land use (pipelines), natural living resources; waste and sewage disposal; chemical water tanks and other infrastructure like reservoirs. The NWSSP is utilizing treatment; respectively as activities that cannot be undertaken water as its primary resource. Activities like construction of long canals, without environmental assessments. pipelines for some projects would involve resource removal (land, water, vegetation) and the generation and disposal of various wastes. Projects that deal with wastewater treatment in the NWSSP component trigger the use of water purification chemicals.

EIA Regulations GN Details requirements for public consultation within a given The NWSSP projects are implemented in various communities across 57/2007 (GG 3812) environmental assessment process (GN No 30 S21). Namibia where several people are living hence triggers the need for consultation of stakeholders regarding its development at all project Details the requirements for what should be included in a Scoping Report (GN No 30 S8) an EIA report (GN No 30 S15). development phases from planning to operation of the facilities.

SEA Guidelines and The guidelines state that the implementation of a policy, plan The NWSSP is a program that has potential to causes both environmental Procedures of 2008 or program by (Ministries, Parastatals, Agencies, Regional or and social impacts; positively or negatively hence require exploring of Local Authority) that has potential environmental affects must various strategic environmental and social management options prior follow the set procedures when conducting the SEA. implementation. The Water Act 54 of The Act was formulated to consolidate and amend the laws The NWSSP is a water program that is directly involving activities that offer 1956 relating to the control, conservation and use of water for provision of domestic, agriculture and urban water. The activities directly domestic, agricultural, urban and industrial purposes; to make affect water conservation, management and use across Namibia. provision for the control, in certain respects, of the use of sea water for certain purposes; for the control of certain activities on or in water in certain areas.

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The Act define “Government water work” means a water work The NWSSP is a program implemented by the Government of Namibia constructed or maintained or proposed to be constructed or through the MAWF. By this, the project is regarded as Government water maintained by, or under the control of the Government, and work program. That means all process should follow the procedures and includes water impounded and stored in such work, but does subjected to Government water works requirements. not include a water work constructed by the Minister under section fifty-seven.

The Water Policy for The policy reckons that water sector reform should be an on- The development and implementation of the NWSSP is a product of Namibia (2000) going process. Policy development is a dynamic activity that recognising the importance of continuous improvement of water supply, needs to take account of changes in society and technology. management, conservation and sanitation issues in Namibia. The The Policy established that the development and implementation of WSSP would see the adoption of some of the best management of water services in Namibia have focused on technology in water and wastewater management e.g. the installation of building and running supply delivery systems to meet water DPR plant by City of Windhoek. Major work of the NWSSP is to construct needs of various users. These structures and systems include the effective bulk water supply systems across Namibia. – at the sophisticated end of the scale – large dams, canals, major pipelines, pumping stations, and water treatment works

The Policy listed 12 principles of water management in The NWSSP projects are fostering all the 12 principles crucial for water Namibia among; 2. Equity (right to water for all Namibians), 3. management in Namibia. All stages of NWSSP projects development Promotion of development (water resources should be should observe these principles. Provision of water across the country utilized, developed and managed in such a way as to promote promotes principle 1 of equity. Construction of various bulk water equitable and sustainable socio – economic development), 4. infrastructures, wastewater and purification plants promote development Economic value (scarce water in Namibia should be utilised in the water sector and provision of water to all promote economic and recognised as an economic value), 5. Awareness and development of the country. The NWSSP involve communities, parastatals, participation (fostering participation of different water government ministries, contractors, this promote participation by various stakeholders), 6. Openness and transparency, 7. Decentralisation (The operational management of water water stakeholders in the provision and management of water and its resources and water services shall be decentralised to the resources. lowest practicable level), 8. Ecosystem values and sustainability, 9. Integrated management and planning, 10. Clarity of institutional roles and accountability, 11. Capacity building.

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The Integrated Water The Plan promotes coordinated management and utilisation The implementation of NWSSP is in line with the goal of the IWRM Plan of Resource of water, land and related services in Namibia to realise social, Namibia because the program would ensure there is social equity and Management Plan environmental and economic growth. The overall long-term economic efficiency of water management. The capacity building of the goal of IWRM in Namibia is to achieve a sustainable water (2010) WSSP would ensure that environmental sustainability is achieved through resources management regime contributing to social equity, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. capacitating of NWSSP projects implementing agencies. That means integrating the environmental component in water management.

The IWRM Plan predicted 100% coverage for both urban and Executing the NWSSP ensures that 100% coverage is achievable within the rural areas could be achieved by the year 2030. The Plan note timelines, the reason why WSSP is covering all the Regions of Namibia. In that this will result in improved health and sanitary conditions its implementation, it should make sure it covers critical and needy areas of communities, improved water related livelihoods, gains to that are threatened by water supply security and scarcity problems. agriculture from improved land and water management, reduced risk of floods and droughts

The Water Resources The aim of the Act is to provide for the management, The NWSSP activities/projects provide a baseline for effective and Management Act No. protection, development, use and conservation of water sustainable management, protection, development and the conservation 11 of 2013 resources; to provide for the regulation and monitoring of of water resources through the development and advancement on the water services and to provide for incidental matters. water supply systems that avoid water losses, e.g. through rehabilitation projects meant to increase capacity but also reduce losses through leaks.

Section 3 of the Act recognises the fundamental principles in By considering all the regions of Namibia, the WSSP is ensuring equitable Water Resources Management in Namibia. Fundamental access for all people despite race, tribe or location. In its implementation, principles relevant to the WSSP are given below: no one should be left behind; it should be an all inclusion program. 3 (a) Equitable access for all people to safe drinking water is an essential basic human right to support a healthy productive NWSSP projects are aiming at increasing the capacity and effectiveness of life water conveyance and delivery to the people of Namibia. (b) Access by all people to a sufficient quantity of safe water within a reasonable distance from their place of abode to maintain life and productive activities;

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(c) Promotion of the sustainable development of water The program should include sustainability principles in all phases of resources based on an integrated water resources projects development even during engineering and technical designing of management plan which incorporates social, technical, water infrastructure and systems. economic, and environmental issues; (g) Development of the most cost-effective solutions, including conservation measures, to infrastructure for the provision of water; (h) Supporting integrated water resources management through human resources development and capacity building; (i) Promotion of water awareness and the participation of persons having interest in the decision-making process should form an integral part of any water resource development initiative The Water Supply and The policy has strong focus on Water Demand Management The NWSSP overarching aim is to increase access, quality, security and Sanitation Policy (WDM). The policy was formulated with four long term sustainability of water supply and sanitation services in Namibia. This (WSASP) of 2008 components: involves managing water demand to achieve sustainability of water supply - Water supply and sanitation services should become on a long run basis. available to all Namibians;

- Equitable improvement of water and sanitation The NWSSP was established and implemented by the government with services should be achieved by the combined efforts strong communities’ participation. The program should involve community of the government and the beneficiaries, based on participation at various project development phases from planning, community involvement and participation, the construction/civil works to operation and management of water systems acceptance of a mutual responsibility and by and infrastructure. MAWF will contract different companies for the outsourcing services where necessary and construction and operation of bulk water infrastructure (civil work), that is appropriate, under the control and supervision of outsourcing services. government.

- Communities should have the right, with due regard for environmental needs and the resources and information available, to determine which water and sanitation solutions and service levels are acceptable to them within the boundaries of the national guidelines.

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- Environmentally sustainable development and The implementation of NWSSP projects improves public health across the efficient utilisation of the water resources of the country through improved, safe and reliable water supply to the country and environmentally sustainable communities. This reduces the burden incurred by woman and children development of sanitation services should be fetching water meaning the time previously used for water collection pursued in addressing the various needs and should would be used to perform other economic duties that would consequently be strongly supported by information campaigns and stir economic development. Institutional capacity development continuous educational interventions at all levels. component of the WSSP would ensure that water conservation is The policy formulated to improve the provision of water promoted through effective management by capacitated water supply in order to: management institutions. - Contribute to improved public health; - Reduce the burden of collecting water; - Promote community based social development taking the role of women - into special account; - Support basic water needs; - Stimulate economic development; and - Promote water conservation. The policy has two water supply priorities: The NWSSP projects are prioritising mainly the priority 1 with few elements (1) This is the provision of water for domestic use. supporting priority 2 (agriculture). (2) This is the provision of water for economic activities.

Pollution Control and The bill aims to “prevent and regulate the discharge of The NWSSP activities trigger section 21 and 22 of the bill, this so because Waste Management pollutants to the air, water and land” Of particular reference activities like the construction of water abstraction points and facilities, Bill to the Project is: Section 21 “(1) Subject to sub-section (4) and borehole drilling, installation of pumps can potentially directly pollute the section 22, no person shall cause or permit the discharge of water sources. pollutants or waste into any water or watercourse.”

Section 55 “(1) No person may produce, collect, transport, Contractors of the civil works of the projects should make it mandatory sort, recover, treat, store, dispose of or otherwise manage that they manage their waste in a manner that do not cause environmental waste in a manner that results in or creates a significant risk of threat and risk both to the surroundings and the local communities. harm to human health or the environment.”

Atmospheric Pollution The law act to provide for the prevention of the pollution of The NWSSP activities are highly unlikely to produce significant amounts of Prevention Ordinance the atmosphere, and for matters incidental thereto. The law smoke, but dust during activities like excavations and backfilling of 11 of 1976 regulates and prohibit pollution from industries particularly trenches of pipelines for bulk water infrastructure would highly experience smoke and also dust from various activities. dust generation. However, during civil works for some projects,

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contractors can produce smoke from equipment used. Efforts to supress dust should be adopted as recommended in the impact management program. National Solid Waste This Strategy ensures that the future directions, regulations, The construction /civil works for bulk water supply infrastructure, Management Strategy funding and action plans to improve solid waste management wastewater and water purification plants can potentially generate are properly co-ordinated and consistent with national policy, significant amount of solid waste that might need proper management by and to facilitate co-operation between stakeholders contractors to avoid pollution. Waste management plans should be The Strategy listed priorities for the strategy to address for generated and implemented prior the commencement of any civil works. effective solid waste management, the priorities given below are the most relevant to the WSSP:

• Waste disposal is the main problem with the current Contractors of the NWSSP should reduce the risk of solid waste to the solid waste management in Namibia. The top priority environment and surroundings of the sites they are working at by applying is to reduce risks to the environment and public safe waste management measures particularly on civil works for bulk water health from current waste disposal sites and illegal infrastructures, wastewater and water purification projects. dumping in many areas of Namibia.

• There is a lack of overall awareness about solid waste MAWF and other Implementing agencies should make there is enough in Namibia. For example, the concepts of waste awareness on solid waste management and Contractors should implement minimisation are generally not considered. A change best practices to reduce the amount of solid waste produced from civil in culture and attitudes is needed towards solid works. waste, considering that awareness programmes will take time to be effective.

Soil Conservation The Act established to consolidate and amend the law relating to the The trenching of bulk water infrastructure like long pipelines, construction combating and prevention of soil erosion, the conservation, of other bulk water infrastructure like storage tanks, treatment plants Act 76 of 1969 improvement and manner of use of the soil and vegetation and the would have impact to the soils, disturbing their natural formation, protection of the water sources in the Republic of Namibia. structure and texture. The Act give powers to the Minister in section 3 (d) the powers to Before the implementation of rainwater harvesting projects of the NWSSP, gazette activities that relate to the run-off or drainage of rainwater, the Minster must be notified of the intentions to create artificial water the withdrawal from cultivation, the protection courses. and stabilizing of natural water courses and the establishment, maintenance and protection of artificial water courses

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Forest Act 12 of 2001 Section 10 (1) set out the aim of the forest management as to: The construction of waterworks infrastructure (bulk water supply) and sanitation facilities such as overnight reservoirs, canals, pipelines and The purpose for which forest resources are managed and developed, conveyance systems, wastewater treatment plants may trigger the including the planting of trees where necessary, in Namibia is to removal of forests/vegetation. conserve soil and water resources, maintain biological diversity and to use forest produce in a way which is compatible with the forest’s primary role as the protector and enhancer of the natural environment.

Section 22. (1) (Protection of Natural vegetation) Unless otherwise The waterworks and infrastructure maybe located on areas that are not authorised by this Act, or by a licence issued under subsection (3), no part of a surveyed erven of a local authority especially for projects under person shall on any land which is not part of a surveyed erven of a the bulk water supply component and the rural sanitation projects and local authority area as defined in section 1 of the Local Authorities their related activities. Act, 1992 (Act No. 23 of 1992) cut, destroy or remove - Republic of

Namibia 20 Annotated Statutes Forest Act 12 of 2001

(a) vegetation which is on a sand dune or drifting sand or on a gully The constructions of the bulk water infrastructure projects especially at unless the cutting, destruction or removal is done for the purpose of abstraction points on surface water resources can potentially trigger the stabilising the sand or gully; or removal of living trees, bushes and shrubs growing within 100m of a river, stream or watercourse. (b) any living tree, bush or shrub growing within 100 metres of a river, stream or watercourse.

(2) A person who wishes to obtain a licence to cut and remove the The removal of trees in the above instances would require the contractors vegetation referred to in subsection (1) shall, in the prescribed form or sub-contractors to acquire necessary permits first. and manner, apply for the licence to a licensing officer who has been designated or appointed for the area where the protected area is situated.

National Policy on The National Policy on Climate Change pursues constitutional The NWSSP projects by virtue of providing safe reliable access to water and Climate Change for obligations of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, namely for sanitation services, it enhances and improve the welfare of the people of Namibia (2011) “the state to promote the welfare of its people and protection of Namibia particularly those living in remote and marginalised communities. Namibia’s environment for both present and future generation.”

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The goal of the National Policy on Climate Change is to contribute to Through the implementation of NWSSP projects that offer water supply the attainment of sustainable development in line with Namibia’s solutions, the program contributes towards sustainable development. The Vision 2030 through strengthening of national capacities to reduce various initiatives under the NWSSP directly and indirectly reduce the climate change risk and build resilience for any climate change climate risk for several communities through provision of reliable, safe shocks. water to the people of Namibia.

The policy reckons that Namibia has limited capacity to adapt to Implementation of NWSSP is one of the initiatives to address climate climate change impacts. The policy projected that Namibia would change mitigation and adaptation. NWSSP projects should be climate become drier with more variability in rainfall. sensitive and consideration during their implementation.

The Policy seeks to promote primary government objectives, which MAWF by implementing the NWSSP they are promoting the provision of include job creation, provision of basic services and infrastructure basic service which among the list is safe, clean reliable water and basic development, alleviation of poverty and provision of housing. sanitation.

The policy developed strategies and action plan to cope with adverse The inclusion of water harvesting projects in the WSSP projects is a strategy climate change impacts. Among the strategies is sustainable access to to address the climate change impacts in Namibia. water through; (a) Formulate and implement a strategy for harvesting and capturing water during the rainy season and provide guidelines for more efficient water use by sectors, households and individuals. (b) Construct new water facilities, infrastructure and promote alternative water access e.g. desalinization and fog harvesting as well as optimizing the existing facilities National Climate The Strategy outlines Namibia’s response to climate change. The The NWSSP implementation should adopt measures that strengthen Change Strategy & strategy aims to address and plan for action against climate change, sustainable water resource base development of the country. The Action Plan 2013 - both through mitigation and adaptation actions. In its adaptation implementation should be very careful on not to cause harm to the 2020 strategy, the Strategy recognises the role of a sustainable water available water resources but improve the management through various resource base. conservation technics.

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The Strategy proposed strategies that aim to:

- Strategic Aim 1: Further improve the overall climate change NWSSP implementation should invest capital on strengthening the understanding and related policy responses in water understanding of climate change and its related policies through various resources sector. training of the officers responsible for implementing the program and also to the communities. - Strategic Aim 2: Monitoring and data collecting technologies of surface and underground water are developed and implemented at basin/watershed level.

- Strategic Aim 3: Strategies for harvesting and capturing By implementing the rainwater harvesting projects, the WSSP is advancing water during the rainy season are well formulated and the Strategic Aim 3. The project must be aided by training and awareness implemented and guidelines for more efficient water use by campaigns to save the harvested water. sectors, households and individuals are provided. - Strategic Aim 4: Improve access to sanitation and safe drinking water for all, particularly in flood-prone areas. - Strategic Aim 5: Promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of water resources. - Strategic Aim 6: Improve Trans-boundary cooperation regarding water resources. - Strategic Aim 7: Support institutional and human capacity building in integrated water resources management and use.

Nature Conservation This ordinance relates to the conservation of nature; the The installation of long pipelines from one place to another/region and Ordinance (1996) establishment of game, parks and nature reserves; the control of conveyance water system can potential pass through parks, games, and problem animals; and highlights matters incidental thereto. nature reserves. Proper designing and planning are needed to make sure

that the proposed infrastructure does not interfere with facilities listed in the Nature Conservation Ordinance. National Biodiversity The action plan was operationalised in a bid to make aware the critical The proposed WSSP activities potentially triggers the ecosystem Strategy and Action importance of biodiversity conservation in Namibia, putting together threatening, particularly construction and civil works. Plan (NBSAP2) 2013 – management of matters to do with ecosystems protection, biosafety, 2022 and biosystematics protection on both terrestrial and aquatic systems.

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Labour Act 11 of 2007. Empowers the minister responsible for labour to publish regulations The implementation WSSP projects will invite significant amount of pertaining to health and safety of labourers (S135). Details laborious work from construction of bulk water infrastructure to

requirements regarding minimum wage and working conditions (S39- rehabilitation and construction of new wastewater and water purification

47). plants. There is need to make sure that the workers are protected, they are from the locals especially unskilled labour. Health and Safety Details various requirements regarding health and safety of labourers All contractors involved in the installation and construction of the bulk Regulations GN involved in the various construction during the WSSP projects water infrastructure, wastewater and water purification plants including 156/1997 (GG 1617) implementation. transportation of the material should complying with this Act and its regulations

Public Health Act 36 of Section 119 states that “no person shall cause a nuisance or shall Provision of community labour, the input of the local communities is suffer to exist on any land or premises owned or occupied by him or usually in the form of labour for the excavation, backfill and compaction 1919 of which he is in charge any nuisance or other condition liable to be of the pipeline trenches. The safety of these people is crucial particularly injurious or dangerous to health.” women, who do not knowledge of handling dangerous, risk and strenuous jobs.

National Heritage Act Section 48(1) states that “A person may apply to the (Heritage) The construction of long pipelines has a potential to pass through heritage Council for a permit to carry out works or activities in relation to a sites, graveyards. Any heritage resources (e.g. human remains etc.) 27 of 2004 protected place or protected object” discovered during excavations would require a permit from the National Heritage Council of Namibia for relocation. Detailed designing of the pipe Protects and conserves cultural heritage and cultural resources with routes and locations of installation of pumps and tanks should avoid the special emphasis on places and sources of National heritage including heritage sites, when it’s not possible, necessary arrangements with right graves, artefacts and any objects older than 50 years. stakeholders should lead the process.

National Gender Policy The National Gender Policy was designed with the objective to The NWSSP implementation should make sure that both women and men 2010 – 2020 effectively contribute to the attainment of the objectives of Vision are included in equal proportions including their water needs and 2030, in order to create a society in which women and men enjoy priorities. Since women play central role in the collection of water in equal rights and access to basic services. It serves also to provide Namibia, their input is crucial sand should be undermined. opportunities for women and men to participate in and contribute

towards the political, social, economic and cultural development of Namibia.

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The goal of the Policy is to guide actions towards the integration and The implementation of NWSSP projects should mainstream gender mainstreaming of gender perspectives in the broad development including the assigning of roles and participation of both women and men framework, which will be in line with the objectives of NDP3, as well at various development phases of implementation. as the aspirations of Vision 2030. The provision of domestic water through the WSSP should economically The policy highlighted that in most rural communities, women and empower women. Collection of water in rural areas is usually done by girls constitute 75% of the workforce responsible for fetching water women. That means provision of reliable and safe water means more and collecting firewood. Fetching water is primarily a female task productive time for them to engage into other economic activities. given that 36% of rural households have daughters fetching water, as The NWSSP in its implementation should make sure that the compared to 15% which have sons fetching water decisions/input of women is fully taken into considerations and that they are equally represented during meetings, constructions, and key decision making and even on designing the systems.

National Resettlement The primary objective of the Policy is to focus on resettlement of There are NWSSP activities and projects that can potentially cause Policy eligible person in ways which are institutionally, sociologically resettlement of communities, that will only become evident after detailed economically and environmentally sustainable and allow beneficiaries and specific designs of the infrastructure like pipeline routes, exact to become self-supporting. locations of proposed wastewater and water purification plants

The Policy reckons that resettlement should not only mean providing Wherever resettlement happens during the implementation of various people with land, housing, infrastructure, knowledge and skills to activities, the victims should receive training related to the improvement maintain and develop new environment, but it also means of their innovative attitude and their self-supporting. establishing innovative attitude.

Communal Land The law states who owns communal land, how the land is given to The bulk water supply projects of the NWSSP interfere with communal Reform Act 5 of 2002 people by whose authority. The Act regulates the registry of landowners, this may arise disputes especially in a case where pipelines are customary land rights and certificate of registration of customary land passing through areas where communities are not beneficiaries. right. Wherever, there is potential to interfere with the communal Contractors should always approach chiefs or traditional authorities land. Right procedures should be followed. The Act give Chiefs or wherever there is potential to interfere with communal land and disputes. Traditional Authority the power to allocate a customary land right under section 22 of the Act.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

3.2. African Development Bank (AfDB Legal and policy framework 3.2.1. AfDB Operation Safeguards The AfDB as the lending institution they have specific requirements that borrowers should satisfy regarding protection of the environment, local people/communities against exclusion and marginalisation caused by certain economic development activities. The Operation Safeguards (OS) are a set of five safeguard requirements that Bank clients are expected to meet when addressing projects that have potential to cause social and environmental impacts and risks. The five OS of the AfDB that the borrower should satisfy are given below: a. Environmental and social assessment b. Involuntary resettlement land acquisition, population displacement and compensation c. Biodiversity and ecosystem services d. Pollution prevention and control, hazardous materials and resource efficiency e. Labour conditions, health and safety

Table 4: AfDB Operational Safeguard OS EXPLANATION APPLICABILITY TO NWSSP Environmental and social This overarching safeguard governs the process The nature of NWSSP activities triggers both assessment of determining a project’s environmental and environmental and social impacts; negative and social category and the resulting environmental positive. Activities like construction of bulk and social assessment requirements. water infrastructure (pipelines, installation of elevated water reservoirs, trenching, excavations, and contractor’s construction vehicle movements) potentially causes environmental impacts to the receiving communities hence require assessments prior the implementation. Wherever possible, the negative environmental impacts should be avoided or, if avoidance is not possible, minimise, mitigate and compensate for adverse impacts on the environment and on affected Communities.

The provision of safe reliable water and basic sanitation through NWSSP initiative improve the social wellbeing and livelihoods of communities. This requires assessment to enhance the social positive benefits. The NWSSP will also create jobs to the societies hence improve the socio- economic status of the communities.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Involuntary resettlement This safeguard consolidates the policy It is essential before implementation that all land acquisition, commitments and requirements set out in the NWSSP sub-projects activities that can population displacement Bank’s policy on involuntary resettlement and potentially causes involuntary resettlement, and compensation incorporates a number of refinements designed acquisition of lad, population displacement and to improve the operational effectiveness of compensation are properly addressed and those requirements. assessed, if there are activities that are triggering all these, proper planning and compensatory measures should be communicated with the affected communities or populations prior implementation.

Activities like installation of long pipelines and canals can potentially require vast land hence trigger land acquisition on where the canals will pass through. Biodiversity and This safeguard aims to conserve biological The NWSSP implementation should ensure that ecosystem services diversity and promote the sustainable use of all the natural resources are conserved and natural resources. It also translates the sustainably used to allow future use of the commitments in the Bank’s policy on integrated resources and development. Concepts of water resources management into operational sustainable development should lead the requirements. process. Pollution prevention and This safeguard covers the range of key impacts The NWSSP activities like construction of bulk control, hazardous of pollution, waste, and hazardous materials water infrastructure (pipelines, installation materials and resource for which there are agreed international elevated water reservoirs, trenching, efficiency conventions, as well as comprehensive industry- excavations, and contractor’s construction specific and regional standards, including vehicle movements) potential generate solid greenhouse gas accounting that other waste that can pollute the environment. Proper multilateral development banks follow. planning of waste through waste management plan should be provided to/by contractors’ prior civil works.

NWSSP activities like the operation of wastewater treatment facilities produce significant odor that affect nearby communities. Also, the operation of water purification plants of the NWSSP activities can promote the use of hazardous water treatment chemicals, proper handling of these is essential. Labour conditions, health This safeguard establishes the Bank’s The construction and installation of bulk water and safety requirements for its borrowers or clients infrastructure, wastewater treatment and water concerning workers’ conditions, rights and purification plants require enormous labour protection from abuse or exploitation. It also which majority of it particularly the unskilled ensures greater harmonisation with most other labour should be provided by locals. These are multilateral development banks. people with no training hence proper human

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

management and monitoring is needed to avoid accidents at work, ensuring good labour conditions is also critical. Some of them would be woman and other vulnerable groups.

The provision of safe reliable water and basic sanitation through NWSSP promotes healthy by reducing the spread of poor water supply related diseases like cholera and typhoid.

3.2.2. AfDB Safeguard Policies Other than the OS, the Bank’s has Safeguard Policies (SP) where the Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) are developed from. The NWSSP activities triggers these safeguard policies. The safeguard policies are: i. Involuntary resettlement (2003) ii. Environment (2004) iii. The Gender (2001) iv. The Climate Risk Management and Adaptation Strategy (2009) v. Health (1996) vi. Integrated Water Resources Management (2000) vii. Agriculture and Rural Development (2000, 2010) viii. Poverty Reduction (2004)

Table 5: Applicable AfDB Safeguard Policies SAFEGUARD POLICY EXPLANATION APPLICABILITY/RELEVANCE Gender (2001) The policy reaffirms the commitment of the The implementation of NWSSP activities Bank to promote gender mainstreaming. The should be gender sensitive, mainstreaming focus of the policy is on gender equality gender roles. Needs for both men and women as a development goal rather than on women as should be equally represented in program a target group activities during consultation, implementation/ constructions and operation. Climate Risk Management The goal of the strategy is to ensure that The NWSSP’s implementation is aiming to and Adaptation Strategy progress is maintained by African countries increase climate resilience through provision (2009) towards the eradication of absolute poverty and of safe reliable water through improving there is steady improvement of people’s living water security. conditions in spite of climate change. Provision of water for agriculture and livestock in some regions increase food security of the country hence poverty eradication.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Health (1996) The Bank lending policy encourages borrowers The NWSSP’s implementation is aiming to to include guidance on a comprehensive range increase access to water supply and of environmental, occupational health and sanitation. This will offer opportunities of safety, community health and safety and improving human health and nutrition linked construction and decommissioning topics. to provisioning services for safe drinking water, food and proper sanitation. Integrated Water To ensure that Bank-supported activities in the The implementation of the NWSSP should be Resources Management water sector adopt the principles of integrated coordinated in the development and (2000) approach, the Bank lending policy encourages management of water resources to maximize borrowers to adopt and implement an economic and social welfare without integrated approach to water resources compromising the sustainability of vital management. ecosystems.

The objectives of this Policy are to rationalize and strengthen Bank Group interventions in the water sector, and encourage borrowers, in accordance with the ADF VII lending policy on water, to develop policies and undertake lending operations based on a comprehensive framework. The central objective of the policy is to promote efficient, equitable, and sustainable development through integrated water resources management. Agriculture and Rural The Bank’s vision for the agriculture and rural The NWSSP is aimed at increasing access to Development (2000, 2010) development sector is to assume a leading water supply in the rural areas. The rural catalytic role in supporting the technological, communities would increase the water use for institutional and policy changes that would agriculture outputs either at subsistence level trigger a lasting transformation of the rural or small-scale irrigation. All that is aimed at economies by empowering their rural improving food security and contribute to populations to improve their productivity and economic development provide water for real incomes in an equitable and rural areas. environmentally sustainable manner. Poverty Reduction (2004) The policy affirms the commitment of the Bank The provision of safe reliable water to to its overarching goal of poverty reduction by communities is part of steps to reduce emphasizing the importance of supporting poverty. The NWSSP would also provide water national ownership, participation and outcome for agriculture and livestock that subsequently orientation in the effort to improve the lives of improve crop cultivation in communal areas. the poor in Africa. This improve The policy considers lessons learnt in national poverty reduction efforts and the experience with international aid for social and economic development.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The policy abolishes the need to travel long The provisional of safe reliable water to distances, on foot, to purchase inputs, sell communities through NWSSP reduces the outputs, seek employment or fetch water and distance people (woman and children) must firewood. walk to collect water is reduced.

3.3. Applicable International Legal Framework and guidelines In addition to the Namibian legal requirements detailed above and the AfDB Standards, compliance with various International Standards and guidelines would be required during the implementation and operation of NWSSP projects but not mandatory. This, however, allows acceptability of the program at global level. The international legislations and guidelines are described below. 3.3.1. The Equator Principles This is a financial industry benchmark for determining, assessing and managing environmental and social risk in projects (June 2013). The Equator Principles have been developed in conjunction with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to establish an International Standard with which companies must comply with in order to apply for approved funding by Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs). The Principles apply to all new project financings globally across all sectors. Applicable International Treaties and Conventions 3.3.2. Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment, Stockholm (1972) It recognizes the need for: “a common outlook and common principles to inspire and guide the people of the world in the preservation and enhancement of the human environment.” Relevance or implication to NWSSP: The implementation of NWSSP should ensure protection of natural resources and prevention of any form of pollution wherever possible. 3.3.3. UN Convention on Biological Diversity of 1992 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international legally binding treaty with three main goals: conservation of biodiversity; sustainable use of biodiversity; fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. It regulates or manages biological resources important for the conservation of biological diversity whether within or outside protected areas, with a view to ensuring their conservation and sustainable use.

Relevance or implication to NWSSP: The NWSSP activities excavations and civil works of bulk water infrastructure should conserve biodiversity, the removal of vegetation cover and destruction of natural habitats should be avoided and where not possible it should minimised. 3.3.4. International Union for Conservation of Nature The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides public, private and non- governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. The mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Relevance or implication to NWSSP: The NWSSP Implementing Agencies should ensure that conservation of nature is prioritized in the areas of their operations. 3.3.5. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) addresses land degradation in arid regions with the purpose to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change. Relevance or implication to NWSSP: Execution of NWSSP projects activities should not be such that they contribute to desertification. In its implementation, NWSSP should embrace climate change issues, reduce the vulnerability of communities to climate change through provision of water and sustainable management of the resource. 3.3.6. African Convention on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources This Convention focuses on living resources, calling for the creation of protected areas and for the specific conservation measures for listed species. It also provides the grounds for the conservation of other natural resources such as soil and water, for the consideration of environmental concerns in development plans, and for research and education. Relevance or implication to NWSSP: The NWSSP activities will have a direct impact on the natural resources by clearing of vegetation, loosening soils during trenching activities. Thus, the requirements of this convention must be considered in the implementation of NWSSP. 3.3.7. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1995 In 1995 Namibia ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); an international environmental treaty. The ultimate objective of the Convention is to “stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.” Relevance and implication to NWSSP: This applies to climate change component; the convention calls for intervention in reduction of greenhouse gases; NWSSP activities should reduce the emission of greenhouse.

3.4. Regional Frameworks 3.4.1. Protocol on Shared Watercourses in the SADC The overall objective of the Protocol is to foster closer cooperation for judicious, sustainable and coordinated management, protection and utilisation of shared watercourses and advance the SADC agenda of regional integration and poverty alleviation.

Relevance and implication to NWSSP: Some NWSSP projects are using shared water courses as their water supply sources particularly the Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi projects. There is need to comply with the protocol needs and position.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

3.5. Institutional Framework Analysis The program will be implemented by three institutions/organisations. These are key plays in the success implementation of the program; therefore, their capacity is very crucial. These are: i. The Ministry Agriculture, Water and Forestry ii. Namibia Water Corporation iii. City of Windhoek

3.5.1. Ministry Agriculture, Water and Forestry This is main participating institution in the implementation of the NWSSP. The Ministry is responsible for the implementation of 19 projects under the rural water supply and sanitation component of the NWSSP. The Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination (DWSSC) within the Ministry is directly responsible for the implementation of the projects. DWSSC was established in September 1993, as a direct result of the approval by Cabinet of the Water and Sanitation Sector Policy, with the mandate to take full responsibility for the implementation of rural water supply for the rural communities on communal land. The Directorate is a crucial unit in the success implementation of NWSSP. The technical and human capacity of the department is very important and necessary because the success of the program lies on competent team to facilitate the execution of projects.

3.5.2. Namibia Water Corporation Ltd NamWater is a commercial entity supplying water in bulk to industries, municipalities and the Directorate of Rural Water Supply in the MAWF. NamWater in this program is responsible for the implementation of five (5) bulk water supply projects under the Climate Resilient Bulk Water Infrastructure Development component. The role of NamWater in this project is to provide technical knowledge and input on the available water resources and different management and conservation options.

3.5.3. City of Windhoek The City of Windhoek (CoW) has a Department of Infrastructure, Water and Technical Services which is responsible for the supply, distribution and quality of potable water as well as the collection, reticulation and treatment of sewerage water. The CoW in this program is responsible for the implementation of only one project under the Climate Resilient Sanitation Infrastructure Development component. They do not have capacity to implement the project because it will be the first facility of that nature in SADC region. They are going to contract an international company that would be responsible for the designing, construction and operation of the facility on a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. There is need for technical and skilled training of City of Windhoek team during the time the plant start operations and during planning work by the Contractor so that they are able to operate and maintain the plant on a long run.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

4. CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE 4.1. Background In the course of preparation of the SESA, it is necessary to make an overview of the current state and dynamics of the environmental and social situation in Namibia. This is because, the characteristics of the current state of the environment and society are a basis for investigating and evaluating environmental aspect and impacts for any given program. Namibia is endowed with diverse natural resources which include wildlife, forests, remarkable land scenery and marine resources which accommodate diverse species of flora, fauna and fish resources. However, these resources are currently challenged by complex interaction of several factors which include the rate of population growth of about 2.2% annual change (2017). This imposes ever intensive pressure on the natural resources utilisation, leading to unsustainable land use, depletion of forest resources, and loss of biodiversity, heavy soil erosion and water quality & quantity.

Environmental quality is considered one of the basic criteria for a balanced and sustainable development in the Republic of Namibia. For the needs of this investigation, basic characteristics of the current status are defined based upon the existing strategic documents, environment reports, environmental studies, as well as other available professional and scientific literature. The following paragraphs reviews some of the key country’s natural resources such as land resources, atmospheric resources, biological resources and water resources as well as the agricultural activities. 4.2. Locality Namibia lies along the south-western coast of Africa, and is bordered by Angola in the north, Zambia and Zimbabwe in the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa in the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It occupies an area of 824 290 km2. Its north-south extent is about 1 300 km, while it measures between about 450 km and 900 km from east to west, excluding the Caprivi Strip panhandle in the northeast. The country is divided into 14 regions, which are further sub-divided into 121 constituencies. The proposed NWSSP will cover all the 14 regions in of Namibia, with different projects in improving water supply and sanitation Namibia. The locality of Namibia is on Fig 1. The proposed NWSSP has downstream project activities in each of the regions and local communities will be receiving the positive and negative implications of these projects. Interregional projects will also be implemented as well as projects of national and international implications. 4.3. Climate 4.3.1. Temperature Mean annual temperatures are below 16 °C along the southern coast, between 20 °C and 22 °C in large parts of the country’s interior and the eastern parts, and above 22 °C in the north. Temperatures are moderated by the cold Benguela currents along the coast, which is also home to the skeleton coast ecology which is very important for the Namibian ecological environment. In Windhoek the capital City average temperature ranges are from 6 °C to 20 °C in July to 17 °C to 29 °C in January. Figure 2 illustrates average annual temperatures for the whole country, superimposed on the regions layer showing the 14 Regions of Namibia.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The high temperatures in Namibia have resulted in a negative water balance, and it has made it almost impossible to maintain open water reservoirs since most water evaporates away. The NWSSP will have to address the water shortages through non-open water storage systems to circumvent the water deficit and rapid evaporation rates. 4.3.2. Rainfall And Evaporation Mean annual rainfall for Namibia is estimated to be 285 mm. Of the total rainfall, 83 percent evaporates, 14 percent is used up by vegetation, 1 percent recharges groundwater and only 2 percent becomes runoff and may be harnessed in surface storage facilities. This drives the need for good, sustainable water resources management strategies and conservation techniques. Net evaporation can be as high as 3 700 mm per year. There is a clear water deficit in Namibia, because rainwater is not enough to re-inject water back into the system.

It is thus the NWSSP is considering alternatives from other water sources such as aquifers and large river systems such as the Okavango and Zambezi instead of relying on rainwater. However, it is also crucial to make use of the little rainwater that is received through rainwater harvesting. This can temporarily reduce pressure on conventional water sources during the rainy season, at the same time this will also allow for the recovery of water basins and groundwater aquifers for use later.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Figure 1: Namibia Locality Map Figure 2: Namibia Average Annual Temperature regimes

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

4.4. Geology Namibia's varied geology encompasses rocks of Archaean to Phanerozoic age, thus covering more than 2600 million years of Earth history (GSN, 2011)., and represent the oldest rocks of Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic age (ca. 2600 to 1600 Ma) in Namibia. These include the volcanic Haib Subgroup and Vioolsdrif Granite Suite along the Orange River, the volcano sedimentary Khoabendus and Rehoboth Groups, as well as the Kunene and Grootfontein Igneous Complexes in the north. The Mesoproterozioc (1600 to 1000 Ma) is represented by the Namaqua Metamorphic Complex in the south, which comprises granitic gneisses, metasediments and felsic to mafic instrusions, and by the volcano- sedimentary Sinclair Supergroup of central Namibia, with its associated granites (e.g. Gamsberg Suite).

Shallow-marine clastic sediments of the Nama Group, which covers parts of southern Namibia, are derived from orogenic uplift of the Damara and Gariep Belts. There is water availability in these rock structures, however the water quality has made it difficult to abstract water from these rocks without a purification process. The NWSSP will have projects that will purify groundwater from such geological formations, to allow for portability. However, about half of the country's surface area is bedrock exposure, while the remainder is covered by Cenozoic deposits of the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Highly deformed gneisses, amphibolites, diverse metasediments and associated intrusive rocks are exposed within several metamorphic inliers in the central and northern parts of the country. These geological formations have water that requires minimal purification for portability, these include the Ohangwena aquifer, Abenab Wellfield, Windhoek aquifer and groundwater in the Omaheke region. The NWSSP will ensure that potable water from these sources is channelled to communities with need, this includes the supplying water into the Eastern National Water Carrier (ENWC) supplying water to Windhoek.

The geology of Namibia heavily influences the groundwater availability and quality as well as surface water flow regimes in Namibia. The underlying rocks in Namibian geological strata contains huge volumes of water in aquifers, however groundwater occurs in a wide range of rock types making groundwater management a complex process. It has to deal not only with highly variable hydraulic properties of the rocks but also very partial knowledge of flow systems and the impacts of human activity - both in terms of abstraction, quality and pollution. The essential feature of Namibia's geology on groundwater is that it continues to provide a buffer against drought in many regions of the country and the NWSSP will make use of groundwater by providing purification systems in areas such as the salt block in southern Namibia, Boreholes in the Ohangwena region and Abenab. 4.5. Pedology According to the FAO soil classification system, out of the 30 major reference soil groups the following do occur throughout Namibia: Acrisols, Arenosols, Calcisols, Cambisols, Ferralsols, Fluvisols, Gleysols, Gypsisols, Leptosols, Luvisols, Phaeozems, Regosols, Solonetz, Solonchaks and Vertisols (Christelis & Struckmeier, 2011). By far the most common soils in Namibia are Regosols, Arenosols and Luvisols.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Their main characteristic features include high sand stratum, low nutrient content, low organic content, alkaline pH-conditions, typical for arid climate conditions with high evaporation rates, as well as high salinity (Coetzee, 2003; Christelis & Struckmeier, 2011).

According to Coetzee (2003) many parts of Namibia have swallow soils with unfavourable for crop production, but natural vegetation had adapted to the situation. Moreover, the areas with high enough rainfall coincides with favourable landforms for dry-land cropping; almost flat to gently undulating plains, plateaux and valley floors with low local relief. In addition, areas of poor workability do not coincide significantly with areas which are climatological suitable for crop productions.

The largest variety of different soil groups such as Cambisols, Luvisols, Acrisols, Regosols, Gleysols, Solonchaks and Solonetz, occurs within the coastal zone, the Namib and the Kalahari areas, whereas the central mountainous plateau, between the Namib and the Kalahari Basin, is dominated mainly by Acrisols, Cambisols and Luvisols. Along Namibia’s permanent rivers, i.e. the Okavango, Zambezi, Kunene, Kwando- Linyanti-Chobe and the Orange Rivers, Acrisols, Arenosols, Fluvisols, Regosols, Luvisols and Cambisols are common at various levels adjacent to the rivers on terraces and floodplains. Fertile fluvisols that provide nutrient-rich soils for crop production are found along ephemeral river courses and in the Zambezi Region (Mendelsohn et al., 2002; Coetzee, 2003).

Figure 3: Soil Map of Namibia

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

4.6. Hydrogeology of Namibia The occurrence of groundwater in Namibia is closely associated with the rock formations making up the crust of the earth. When these three-dimensional bodies of rock contain underground water, they are called “aquifers”. These aquifers have unique properties dependent on internal and external factors controlling their size, capacity, the groundwater flow regime, the quality of the groundwater and their long-term sustainable safe yield potential (Christelis & Struckmeier, 2011). Below is a map showing groundwater potential in Namibia based on the hydrogeological landscape.

Figure 4: Hydrogeological map of Namibia with rock bodies' groundwater potential

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Table 6: Summary of Namibia's Hydrogeological Units per Basin The information presented in this Table has been sourced from Christelis and Struckmeier (2011) and Christelis, et al. (2018). Basin Main Lithologies Groundwater Occurrence Average range of Average range of borehole depth (m) sustainable borehole yield (m3/d)

Caprivi Strip Kalahari Sequence underlain by Sandstones Porous aquifers of the Kalahari sediments 50 - 150 0 to >480

Okavango-Epukiro Kalahari Sequence underlain by carbonate Groundwater is hosted in two distinct 5 - 50 24 - 48 and quartzite of the Damara Sequence aquifer systems, Kalahari aquifers and (bedrocks) fractured bedrock aquifers.

Cuvelai-Etosha Kalahari, Damara and Karoo Sequence In the Kalahari Sequence Aquifers that are 100 - 250 24 - 240 000 split into an unconfined and a confined to artesian part. Otavi Mountain Dolomitic massif of the Damara Sequence Fractured aquifers (rocks) 20 - 200 24 - 120 Land (limestone, dolomite, marl and shale)

Northern Namib Otavi and Nosib Group (Granitic and Natural springs and water are hosted in No information 24 - 2 000 and Kaokoveld gneissic rock types) metamorphosed, granitic or gneissic rocks.

The Brandberg, Damara trough (Damara Sequence) - bands Water is hosted in Etjo sandstone. No information 24 - 72 Erongo and of marble and quartzite and aeolian A series of contact fountains that drain Waterberg sandstones water from the porous sandstone. The springs collect groundwater over a large area of sandstone outcrop and concentrate the flow along a shallow contact zone. Central Namib- Damara Sequence (schists, amphibolites Hosted in bedrock aquifers but potential is 100 - 400 58 - 216 Windhoek very limited. Only the quartzite aquifer in the Windhoek area can be classified as high yielding.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Basin Main Lithologies Groundwater Occurrence Average range of Average range of borehole depth (m) sustainable borehole yield (m3/d)

Hochfeld- Damara Sequence however predominates Both in alluvial and fractured aquifers. 60 - 200 200 - 2 400 Dordabis in the area and consists mostly of Khomas Generally, groundwater in these fractured rocks with Kuiseb Formation quartz-biotite aquifers is hosted in faults and other schists, interbedded marble, amphibolite secondary structures, more prevalent in

and schists. competent rocks like sandstone and

quartzite.

Stampriet Kalahari beds/sediments, Nossob and Auob Groundwater occurs in these sandstones 20 - 100 2.4 - 1 200 Artesian sandstones of the Ecca Group (lower Karoo and Kalahari beds Sequence)

Fish River-Aroab Sedimentary rocks of the Nama Group Groundwater is hosted in secondary 50 - 250 120 - 840 (sandstone, dolomitic limestone, shale and features like faults and joints in sedimentary quartzite) rocks of clastic origin (sandstone, quartzite and shale) and in solution features in limestones and dolomites. Southern Namib Fractured and karstified dolomites and Water is hosted in the heavily karstified 10 - 30 24 - 120 and Naukluft limestones of the Damara Sequence carbonate rocks. These karstified rocks feed springs in the basin.

Karas Basement Granites, gabbro, norite and pegmatities of Most wells are situated along river courses 50 - 130 55 - 130 the Mokolian age outcrops (the Haib Group in shallow alluvium and deeply weathered and Vioolsdrif Granite Suite Complex and channels and basins. Namaqua Metamorphic Complex) Very limited volumes of groundwater are available in the basement rocks, since there are no productive aquifers.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

4.6.1. Groundwater (Hydrogeological) Basins in Namibia A significant population in Namibia relies on groundwater as source of domestic, agriculture and other economic uses. It is therefore important to investigate details of the groundwater resources and its quality. Some NWSSP sub-projects will involve drilling and setting up of well fields and boreholes to supply communities. In terms of groundwater, Namibia has been divided into 12 hydrogeological regions unlike the 11 surface river basins. The division or classification was done based mainly on geological structure and groundwater flow, and these (regions) are referred to "groundwater basins". The basins map is shown in Figure 5 below.

Figure 5: Groundwater basins and hydrogeological regions in Namibia

4.7. Flora, Fauna and Endemism 4.7.1. Biomes and Vegetation type in Namibia Namibia is classified into four terrestrial biomes (Desert, Karoo, Acacia Savanna, and Broad-leafed Savanna/Woodlands), and two aquatic biomes (Coastal Marine and Wetlands). Each biome is affected to different extents by land uses such as rangeland farming, agriculture, wildlife production, tourism and recreation, mining and urban development. Below is a brief description of all the biomes, biomes vegetation types and their biomes threats are provided (Humavindu & Nghishidi, n.d; Shaw, n.d; Burke at al., 2003; Mendelsohn et al., 2009).

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

4.7.2. Desert Biome The Desert Biome extends from Luderitz northwards, along the entire west coast into Angola. The biome receives the lowest rainfall (less than 50mm annually) and thus lack of surface water. The vegetation types in the Desert are Central Desert; Northern Desert and Southern Desert. The sparse vegetation dominated by annual grasses (Stipagrostis) and dwarf shrubs. It has a large habitat diversity that included mountains, inselbergs, gravel plains (North of the Kuiseb River), sandy seas (South of the Kuiseb River) and succulent steppe winter rainfall regions. The Biome is characterized by the coastal fog that plays a vital role in supporting many plants and animals. The ephemeral rivers (e.g. Kuiseb River, Swakop River etc.) cut across the biome providing linear oases where large trees and water sources support many of the larger mammals and animals. The systems within this biome are extremely sensitive and fragile and prone to long-term degradation with long recovery periods. The NWSSP aims at sub-projects that will alleviate water stress in different communities from Karibib to Wlotzkasbaken. This bulk water project will give life to human communities as well as alleviate the drought experienced in the Namib Naukluft Park through availing wildlife water points offtakes from the main pipeline from Omdel to Wlotzkasbaken. Not only will this project benefit these areas, but Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Hentiesbaai will benefit immensely from this development, because this we minimise pressure on the little water available. 4.7.3. Karoo Biome The Karoo Biome receives an annual rainfall is 100-200mm. The Biome hosts a varied assemblage of plant communities ranging from deciduous shrub vegetation to perennial grasslands and succulent shrubs. The vegetation types are namely: Western-central Escarpment and Inselberg; Desert-Dwarf Shrub Transition; Dwarf Shrub Savanna; Dwarf Shrub-Southern Kalahari transition; Etosha Dwarf Shrubland; Karas Dwarf Shrubland; North-western Escarpment and Inselberg; and Succulent Steppe. The vegetation is dominated by dwarf shrubs or ‘Karoo bushes’ such as three thorn Rhigozum (Rhigozum trichotomum), trumpet thorn (Catophractes alexandri) and Eriocephalus species and grass species (Stipagrostis). The Karoo has a harsh climate with large seasonal and daily temperature variations. The fauna in this biome is species poor but supported vast herds of springbok in the past, which were subsequently reduced by hunting and fencing. The Karoo Biome is sensitive to over-grazing and degradation which can lead to desertification. The biome covers parts of Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Kunene Region. These areas depend heavily on groundwater and primary source of income is farming, i.e. rearing of cattle, goats and sheep. This makes the NWSSP a high priority initiative that will solve short term and long-term water woes in these areas. Drilling of boreholes in Otjombinde area, Kavango West and Ohangwena will offer a lifeline to life in the biome. Because of the productivity of this biome both humans and domesticated animals have pushed the water needs higher, such that in some instances domestic animals and humans are sharing water sources, indicating the need for intervention.

4.7.4. Acacia Savanna Biome

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The Acacia Savanna Biome receives an annual rainfall of 250-400mm. Diversity of semi-arid savanna systems with eight vegetation types namely: Central Kalahari; Cuvelai Drainage; Highland Shrubland; Karstveld; Mopane Shrubland; Southern Kalahari; Thornbush Shrubland; Western Kalahari; and Western Highlands. The Acacia Savanna is characterized by large, open expanses of grasslands dotted with Acacia species such as camelthorn (Acacia erioloba), black thorn (Acacia melifera).

Moreover, the mopane (Colophospermum mopane) in the north and northwest, shepard’s tree (Boscia albitrunca) and a wide variety of grass species. The dominant vegetation is fire-adapted. This biome supports a high concentration of various species which are endemic to the region. The biome supports large plains game of Africa – herd animals and predators. The biome contains the headwaters and catchments of most ephemeral rivers in Namibia. 4.7.5. Broad-leafed Savanna / Woodlands Biome The Broad-leafed Savanna/ Woodlands Biome have an annual rainfall of 450-700mm. It has a high species diversity, especially at the interface with the wetland’s biome. It has deciduous tree species are characteristic including Zambezi teak (Baikiaea plurijuga), mopane (Colophospermum mopane), wild seringa (Burkea africana) as well as several Acacia species. The biome has the following vegetation types: Caprivi Floodplains; Caprivi Mopane Woodlands; Eastern Drainage; North-eastern Kalahari Woodland; Northern Kalahari; Okavango Valley; Omatako Drainage; and Riverine Woodlands and Islands. The biome is supported by large river courses such as the Okavango River and the Zambezi Rivers, such that water is available. However, the NWSSP will scale up water purification for supply to the communities further inland. 4.7.6. Wetlands Biome The Wetlands Biome has multiple habitats including: perennial rivers, ephemeral rivers, floodplains, pans, ephemeral delta system (e.g. the Cuvelai Drainage System), pans (Etosha Pan), sinkholes (e.g. Otjikoto and Guinas lakes), estuaries, swamps (Linyanti swamp), marshes, vleis (e.g. Makuri pan), springs (e.g. springs at Sesfontein ), estuaries (Kunene and Orange River mouths). The Biome is a highly productive systems which provide important sources of freshwater and vegetation. The Wetlands Biome is important to the hydrology of areas through services such as the recharging of aquifers. Wetland also Provide important sites for breeding and refuge. Namibia currently has five sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 676,564 hectares aimed at the protection of these habitats and to ensure their wise and sustainable use. The Namibia Ramsar sites are Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park, the Walvis Bay wetlands, Sandwich Harbour, the Orange River Mouth and Etosha Pan. All these sites are located within protected areas. The Wetlands biome provides important resources to people, in addition to clean water such as fish, reeds, lilies, many fruiting and medicinal plants, etc. However, the Wetlands biome is pressured by water abstraction, over-exploitation, alien species and pollution by activities in the biome.

4.7.7. Coastal/Marine Biome

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The Coastal/Marine Biome is characterized by the cold current coastline where the Benguela Current produces nutrient rich upwelling. The biome is a highly productive system which is supporting some of the highest concentrations of marine life in the world. The Coastal/ Marine Biome has multiple habitats: Littoral zone – from beach to low tide mark. It is further characterized by shallow water and large amount of light. Species include seaweeds, mussels, limpets, rock lobsters, fish (including angling species) and breeding seal colonies. Shelf zone – from low tide mark to end of continental shelf. Fish resources are concentrated here. Species include plankton, fish (e.g. pilchard and hake), sea turtles, seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales. Abyssal zone is from edge of continental shelf to Deep Ocean. Species include seabirds, whales, pelagic and deep-sea fish. Islands – islands off the coast provide safe breeding areas for nine different seabird species (e.g. penguins and gannets) and one wader species. Lagoons include Sandwich Harbor, Walvis Bay Lagoon. Estuaries – Kunene River mouth. The biome is pressured by over exploitation of fish resources, coastal diamond mining and ocean pollution from oil spills and waste. 4.7.8. Fauna in Namibia Namibia's fauna is diverse and unique to the country’s aridity. Physical features such as climate, soils and topography, largely determine the abundance and diversity of animals. A description is provided below for the following: mammals, birds, fish/marine resources, insects, arachnids, amphibians and reptiles (MET, 2012; MET, 2014). The aim of the NWSSP is to ensure that wildlife is also catered for in the major parks, conservancies and community forests through allowing offtakes in these areas. This will also reduce 4.7.9. Mammals Of 217 species of mammals recorded in Namibia, the biggest group consists of rodents (53 species), bats (43 species) and carnivores (35 species). Many tropical species are abundant north and east of Namibia. Several sources of information reveal increasing wildlife numbers in many areas of the country, particularly areas within the protected area network. This includes threatened and flagship species such as black rhino and elephant. For example, estimates for the population of black rhino have increased from 750 in 2002 to 1,677 in 2009 (MET, 2014). Numbers of Namibian plains game species such as Oryx, springbok and kudu as well as rare and endemic species such as the Hartmann’s zebra and black-faced impala have also increased rapidly over the past 30 years. The NWSSP will have impacts on wildlife movements in different regions or project areas, however not all project will have such impacts. Becomes very imperative that all projects are treated separately, and specific Environmental & Social Impact Assessments conducted, to ensure that all environmental and social dynamics are taken into consideration. 4.7.10. Avifauna Namibia has 676 known bird species and 60 (or 9%) are recognized as being under threat in Namibia’s Red Data Book (Simmons and Brown in press). Bird diversity is greater in the presence of combination of habitats which occur in the north-east, including open water, floodplains, riparian forest, woodlands, savanna and open grasslands. The birds under threat are categorized into four major groups: (1) Inland wetland birds (19 species (32%; plus 3 raptor species = 37%)); (2) Birds of Prey (18 species (30%)); (3) Peripheral birds of the northern river

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report systems that live in riparian, tropical habitats (8 species (13%)); and (4) Coastal and Marine Birds (15 species (25%) plus 5 coastal wetland species = 33%) (MET, 2012). Namibia is also home to 19 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), 12 of which are located in the coastal zone or on offshore islands (BirdLife, 2019). The IBAs provide essential habitat for breeding, wintering, and/or migrating bird species. 4.7.11. Fish/Marine Resources While overall species richness and levels of endemism are relatively low, several species of marine fish and other marine organisms are particularly abundant along the Namibian coast as a direct result of the nutrient rich Benguela current. There are 115 species of freshwater fish in Namibia, with by far the greatest numbers in the northern river system.

Economically important fish and other marine species include hake, orange roughy and monkfish (demersal or deep-water species), which are found at the sea bottom far out to sea and provide the greatest economic returns; horse mackerel, pilchard and anchovy (pelagics usually closer to the surface and shore); and species associated with the coastline such as rock lobster, seals and birds. In addition, 31 species of cetaceans are known to occur in Namibian waters, and the heaviside dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii) is endemic to the Benguela current ecosystem (MET, 2010; MET, 2014).

The main threats identified for these species are habitat loss/degradation; oil and other forms of pollution; over-fishing especially of pilchards; by-catch in fishing operations; lack of environmental awareness and local ownership of biodiversity resources. Namibia’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) was proclaimed in 2009, which play an important part in protecting the spawning and nursery grounds of commercially exploited species and other marine resources and thereby contribute to improved stock recoveries (MET, 2010).The NWSSP will potentially affect downstream aquatic water resources in the Okavango River and the Zambezi rivers from water abstraction. It is important to ensure that necessary specialist assessments are conducted for project specific Environmental Assessments process. Monitoring of water levels and quality downstream should be made a prerogative for abstraction of water from freshwater rivers. 4.7.12. Endemics of species in Namibia The proportion of endemic plants, insects, reptiles and frogs is high in Namibia. Endemism in mammals, birds and fish is lower, as these species tend to be more mobile and are distributed over wider areas.

Most Namibia’s endemic species are distributed in a belt along the western edge of the escarpment (escarpment zone). This region is a transition zone between the desert, Karoo and Savanna biomes and represents a hotspot of endemism. Another endemism hotspot for succulent plants, reptiles and insects is the succulent Karoo biome in the southern Namib, predominantly located in the Sperrgebiet. Namibia’s endemic species are important to local, regional, and global biodiversity.

Namibia is one of the few dryland countries in the world with internationally recognized biodiversity hotspots. The most significant of these is the Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park, situated in the Succulent Karoo floral kingdom in southern Namibia, in this area a pipeline construction is going to be

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report conducted as part of the NWSSP, thus the need for a cornices fauna and flora study when conducting Environmental Impact Assessments for the pipeline project. The second hotspot is the rugged Namib Escarpment, which is part of Africa’s great western escarpment, and an area of particularly high endemism. Some sites of national and global significance in Namibia include its: Twenty Protected Areas, which cover hugely varied ecosystems and some 17% of the Namibia’s land mass including the entire 1500km coastline; Two Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) – Ai-/Ais / Richtersveld TFCA, and the Kavango Zambezi TFCA; Four Ramsar Wetland Sites of International Importance – Etosha Pan, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Sandwich Harbour and the Orange River Mouth; and 19 IBAs and 40 Important Plant Areas (IPAs), spread across the country. The NWSSP pipelines will cut through conservancies and environmentally sensitive environments in the Kavango West, Kavango East, Ohangwena, Karas and Hardap Regions. It becomes imperative to ensure that water infrastructure construction does not negate sensitive ecosystems. Site and route alternatives assessment should take into consideration endemic plants and animals. 4.8. Hydrology, Water Basins, Water Supply and Governance 4.8.1. Erongo Region The Erongo Region ephemeral rivers include Kuiseb, Omaruru-Swakop, Tsondab-Koichab, and Ugab-Haub. The Erongo Region includes the Ugab-Huab Basin that is mainly defined by the catchments of the west flowing Ugab and Huab rivers. In addition, the Omaruru-Swakop Basin (with Swakop and Omaruru Rivers), Kuiseb Basin (with Kuiseb River) and the Tsondab-Koichab Basin are part of the Erongo Region. The Brandberg, Erongo and Waterberg hydrogeological region covers the northern Erongo Region. The groundwater potential of fractured aquifers in the Swakop Group of the Damara Sequence is generally low but depends on the amount of rainfall and associated weathering and recharge.

The region is supplied with water from groundwater, pipeline distribution from surface water dams (e.g. Swakoppoort Dam to Karibib and the Navajab Gold Mine), desalination plant and Omaruru-Delta (Omdel). The Omdel is designed to intercept water and thereafter water is released from the dam and it is only when the water is released from the Omdel that the natural paleo channel is recharged with water. The Orano Desalination Plant a reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant with a capacity of 54 million cubic meters. The desalination plant supplies water to the uranium mines as well as to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

The Erongo region comprises the economically most important water supply schemes in Namibia to providing water to the coastal towns (Walvis Bay and Swakopmund), the mining sector (Uranium mines), and commercial farming areas, among others. The proposed NWSSP’s Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline Replacement. The Region is covered by the national parks (Dorob and Namib –Naukluft) and private conservancies thus the Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken Pipeline Replacement project of the NWSSP is situated in a sensitive environment. 4.8.2. Hardap and //Karas Region

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The Hardap and //Karas Regions are within the Tsondab-Koichab; Orange-Fish, Nossob-Auob Basins. The ephemeral rivers are the Fish, Nossob and Tsauchab Rivers. The //Karas Region has an Orange River bordering South Africa and Namibia. The regions are located within the Karas Basement; Southern Namibia and Naukluft; and Fish River- Aoab and Central Namib Windhoek hydrogeologoical regions. The southern regions the following dams: Hardap, Naute, Oanob, Dreihuk, Bondels and Neckartal Dam. These dams supply water for domestic use, commercial farming, large scale irrigation farming and important mining activities. Very limited volumes of groundwater (in the Karas Basement hydrogeological region) are available in the basement rocks of the southern //Karas Region, since there are no productive aquifers. Lack of recharge and poor groundwater quality in most areas further aggravates the situation. The Salt Block Area is characterized by poor (salty/saline) water quality and cannot be utilized for either domestic or livestock watering purposes. Therefore, the NWSSP’s Water Supply to the Salt Block Areas will connect the Orab-Gibeon water supply pipeline scheme via the Hardap dam to ensure good water quality for communities in Gibeon, Tses, Berseba, Vaaldam, Falkenhorst, Asab, Brukaros, Kainachas and Klein- Vaalgras. 4.8.3. Kavango East and Kavango West The Kavango East and Kavango West are both in the Okavango-Omatako Basin which comprises the surface water catchments of the perennial Okavango River and the main tributary the Omuramba Omatako. The Okavango River flows from Angola via Namibia and then into the intra-continental Okavango Delta in Botswana. The Okavango-Epukiro hydrogeological region is in a huge flat area encompassing both the Kavango Regions. Groundwater within the area is hosted in two distinct aquifer systems, Kalahari aquifers and fractured bedrock aquifers.

In the Kavango Region, boreholes and dug wells are concentrated, as are the people, along the Okavango River, the Omatako valley and the main roads from Grootfontein to Rundu and Tsumkwe. Most of the area belongs to the Okavango drainage system, including the dormant, usually dry riverbeds draining east towards the central Kalahari. These two aquifer types are treated separately as they have different characteristics. Kalahari aquifers hold water in intergranular pore spaces, whereas water in fractured aquifers is held in cracks and fractures in otherwise impermeable strata. Most people of the Kavango East and Kavango West Regions settle in a relatively narrow zone along the banks of the Okavango River and use the river water for human and livestock consumption. In addition, boreholes and dug wells are drilled. The Large-scale commercial irrigation projects of the Green Schemes launched by MAWF emerge along the river, which are in demand of large volumes of fresh water. The NWSSP's proposed projects are targeted on the water supply schemes that will improve the sustainable accessibility of water to the rural population. The Kavango East projects are: Rundu-Mururani Water Supply Scheme; Rundu – Mukwe Water Supply Scheme; Shamvhura – Shamangorwa; Rundu Scheme Extension. The Kavango West project - Omundaungilo WSS overlaps the Ohangwena Eas, Kavango West and Oshikoto Regions. 4.8.4. Khomas Region

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The Khomas Region is within the Omaruru-Swakop Basin, Kuiseb Basin (upper), Orange-Fish Basin, and Nossob-Auob River Basin. The Central Area of Namibia (CAN) gets the water from the three surface water Dams (Omatako, Von Bach and Swakkoport Dam) through the Eastern National Water Carrier. The City of Windhoek treats domestic wastewater into direct potable drinking standards. With the increases in urban population and frequent water crisis, the City of Windhoek is planning to increase the reclamation capacity thus the NWSSP’s proposes to Direct Potable Reclamation Phase 2: New DPR Plant 2 under the Climate Resilient Sanitation Infrastructure Development - Wastewater treatment and reclamation.

The Khomas region comprises of the Central Namibia –Windhoek hydrogeological; the Hochfeld-Dordabis- Gobabis hydrogeological; and Stampriet hydrogeological region. The quartzite aquifers in the Windhoek area are classified as high yielding. The Windhoek aquifer is developed in an area that exhibits numerous norths to north-west striking faults and extensive jointing. However, other areas of the region the larger settlements obtain water by surface water storage in dams or from alluvial aquifers, while the potential of bedrock aquifers is very limited. 4.8.5. Kunene Region The Kunene Region is within the Haub-Ugab and Kunene Basins. The région has communal farmland with small-scale livestock farming activities and mainly inhabited by the Otjihimba People. Moreover, tourism plays a major role in the economic development within the basin compared to the situation in the Etosha and Huab-Ugab Basins. The Northern Namib and Kaokoveld hydrogeological region are located in Kunene Region which has a low groundwater potential, this is attributed to the fact that the average rainfall ranges from less than 50mm/year in the west to slightly more than 300mm/year in the east. The area is well known for its numerous springs that provide water for wildlife and to villages. The Kunene region has a high number of conservancies that uses the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme. The NWSSP’s project proposed in Kunene Region is the construction of the sanitation facilitation. Most of the land is state protected or communal area. Commercial farmlands are present in the Khorixas District. 4.8.6. Ohangwena Region The Niipele-Odila Sub-Basin comprises the eastern part of the Ohangwena Region and the northeastern part of the Oshikoto Region. The Niipele-Odilo sub-basin is underlain by the Ohangwena Kalahari Aquifer. The Cuvelai-Etosha hydrogeological region is found in the Ohangwena Region, the groundwater water quality is especially poor in the central areas extending south from the Namibia-Angola border between Oshikango. The proposed drilling of deep boreholes and construction of new de-fluoridation plant for the Ohangwena No.2 Wellfield which shall contribute to the sustainable water supply in the Ohangwena Region. The Ohangwena Kalahari Aquifer extends into Angola in the north, where the main groundwater recharge area is believed to exist in the upper catchments of the Omuramba Odila and the Cubango (Okavango) River. Thus, this may affect the recharge of the Ohangwena No.2 Wellfield.

The water quality is especially poor in the central areas extending south from the Namibia-Angola border between Oshikango. The villages and settlements are mostly supplied by groundwater sources as well as

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report from seasonally water-filled pans in the region. Water in the region is used for domestic use and livestock farming. There are plans for gardening projects within the region. Mostly, women and children walk long distances to the communal taps to get the water for household use. The Region has been limited bulk water supply schemes, thus the NWSSP proposed Epembe Water Supply Scheme (WSS), Omundaungilo WSS, Eenhana - Oshikunde WSS and the rehabilitation of Ogongo – Oshakati WSS. The development of the boreholes and pipeline distribution will ensure that isolated villages and settlements in the regions are supplied with water. 4.8.7. Omaheke Region The Eiseb-Epukiro River Basin comprises the surface catchments of the omiramba Otjozondju, Eiseb and Epukiro. The Omaheke region is made up of the following hydrogeological region: Okavango-Epukiro (located in the northern); Central Namibia – Windhoek (located in the western region) and the Hochfeld- Dordabis – Gobabis (located in the southern region). High potential boreholes can be found in areas of known Kalahari aquifers, whilst the lowest yielding boreholes are commonly fractured aquifers beneath thick unsaturated Kalahari layers. The NWSSP project in the Omaheke region is in the Otjombinde Constituency that has a very low groundwater potential in most parts and a low rate of successful boreholes. The Otjombinde WSS is expected to provide a water supply pipeline that will convey good quality water in sufficient quantities to the rural communities. 4.8.8. Omusati Region The Omusati Region includes the Olushandja Sub-Basin of the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin which is inclusive of the Olushandja Dam and the Etaka Canal. The western sub-basin boundary between Ruacana in the north and the Etosha National Park in the south is defined by the borderline between the Kunene and the Omusati regions.

The quality of groundwater over much of the Cuvelai-Etosha groundwater region is extremely poor and severely limits its use. The water quality is especially poor in the central areas extending south from the Namibia-Angola border between Oshikango and Ruacana in a south-easterly direction towards Etosha and Oshivelo. The Cuvelai-Etosha hydrogeological region’s water quality is extremely poor in Ruacana in a south-easterly direction towards Etosha and Oshivelo.

The Etunda irrigation project in the Olushandja Sub-Basin is supplied with water via a canal from the Calueque Dam. The project accommodates for both commercial and small-scale farming. Maize is the main crop on the commercial plot, whereas various vegetable varieties such as wheat, potatoes, cabbage, onion, melons and bananas are cultivated seasonally throughout the year by small-scale farmers. Other water uses in the Omusati region includes domestic water use and water for livestock. For homesteads along the canal, they access water for small scale irrigation and gardening projects as a source of livelihood and income generation. The proposed Ruacana South Water Supply Project shall benefit the areas in Opuwo, Ruacana and Oshifo. The Iitapa-Okeeholongo Rural Water Supply Project Phase 2 includes the construction of water supply infrastructure in Okeeholongo – Omeege –Amarika. The construction of the Rain and Flood Water Harvesting Infrastructure and the rehabilitation includes Ogongo – Oshakati WSS.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The Etaka Raw WSS is estimated to provide raw water to approximately 17 300 Large Stock Unit (LSU) along the 130km earth canal from the Olushandja dam to Uuvudhiya earth dams. 4.8.9. Oshana Region The Cuvelai-Iishana Sub-Basin comprises a system of flat river channels (iishana), which form a massive inland delta. The iishana are seasonally flooded by so-called efundjas and drain into the Omadhiya lakes and from there via the Ekuma River into Etosha Pan. The Rain and Flood water harvesting Infrastructure project is expected to be implemented in Oshana region due to the nature of the efundjas. The Cuvelai- Etosha hydrogeological region is located in the Oshana Region.

The Oshana Region water supply network is made up of the canals and pipelines originating from the Calueque Dam in Angola via Olushandja Dam and gravitates from there south-eastwards to purification plants until it reaches Oshakati from where it is pumped into the pipeline network. It is in this regard that the NWSSP’ projects of the Rehabilitation of Ogongo – Oshakati WSS (water pipelines and water points) and Oshakati Purification Plant Extension (new plant to be constructed) are proposed for the sustainable water supply-demand management and the growing populations in the northern regions. Also, a new project of the Okankolo – Onkumbula Water Supply Scheme is proposed for the well field for the pipeline distribution network. The groundwater of the Cuvelai-Iishana Sub-Basin is relatively shallow but mostly brackish or saline thus not used for drinking both my humans and animals. The villagers and settlements are supplied with water at communal water points, whilst others have water in the households via pipelines. Water is mainly used for domestic, livestock and along the canal small-scale irrigation and gardening project exist. 4.8.10. Oshikoto Region The Oshikoto Region has the Tsumeb sub-basin that comprises mainly commercial farmland and communal farmland that is commercially managed in areas of Otavi, Grootfontein and Tsumeb the so- called Maize Triangle, a relatively high-rainfall area with a flourishing agriculture sector. The groundwater is used for large-scale stock farming but also for crop irrigation. In addition, the Etosha National Park water holes are supplied by groundwater. The Otavi Mountain Land hydrogeological region comprises the southern Oshikoto region and presents a watershed draining westwards into the Ugab River catchment, northwards into the Etosha Pan.

The quality of groundwater over much of the Cuvelai-Etosha hydrogeological region is extremely poor and severely limits its use. The water quality is especially poor in the central areas extending south from the Namibia-Angola border between Oshikango and Ruacana in a south-easterly direction towards Etosha and Oshivelo. Rural homesteads exist as well in Oshikoto Region and there have challenges of accessing water available water points as their homes are isolated. The NWSSP is thus proposing the construction of the various pipelines: the King Kauluma – Omutsegonime Water Supply Scheme; Okankolo – Onkumbula Water Supply Scheme and the Omundaungilo WSS in the Ohangwena East-Kavango West-Oshikoto Regions. It is expected that rural communities will benefit from the pipeline; close distances to the water points will limit the amount of time that women and children need to travel in fetching water. Moreover,

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report the Rain and Flood Water Harvesting Infrastructure, as well as the sanitation facilities, will improve the health and hygiene of the communities. 4.8.11. Otjozondjupa Region The Otjozondjupa Region had the following water basin: Okavango-Omatako Basin, Ugab-Huab (upper) Basin and the Omaruru-Swakop (upper) Basin. The Otavi-Mountain Land hydrogeological region hosts eight major water supply schemes of which Outjo, Kombat, Grootfontein and Tsumeb are independent waterworks, while the Otavi, Brandwag, Karstland and Berg Aukas/Otjituuo schemes and the stand-by abstraction scheme from Berg Aukas Mine are managed by NamWater. The Okavango-Epukiro hydrogeological region is also located in a huge flat area in the eastern parts of Otjozondjupa. The Brandberg, Erongo and Waterberg hydrogeological region covers most of the western part of the Otjozondjupa Region and the northern Erongo Region. Otjiwarongo and Okahandja are situated on the eastern edge of the area.

The boreholes and dug wells are concentrated along the Omatako valley and the main roads from Grootfontein to Rundu and Tsumkwe in the region. Groundwater occurs at considerable depth in the Kalahari sediments, is of insufficient quantity and Group D quality due to high fluoride concentrations. The NWSSP project of the Abenab Borehole Development & linking with Eastern National Water Carrier will include the drilling of boreholes and pipeline scheme. 4.8.12. Zambezi Region The Zambesi-Kwando-Linyanti Basin includes the intra-Namibian surface catchments of the Zambesi, Kwando and Linyanti rivers. The drainage systems are separated from the drainage system of the Okavango River, which discharges into the intra-continental Okavango Delta, while the Zambesi-Kwando- Linyanti (ZKL) river system drains into the India Ocean. In Zambezi, the water is obtained by utilizing water from the flood plains, open wells and boreholes (water with high saline and iron content) which caused hardship and restricted development due to prolonged periods of drought and crop failure.

The Zambezi region falls under the Caprivi Strip hydrogeological region with groundwater mainly tapped from the Kalahari Sequence which forms a porous aquifer. The variable yields from 0 to more than 20 m3/hour are recorded. Iron is a major concern, causing a high percentage of water points to be classified as Group D water. Good quality water is generally found up to 5-20 km from the rivers, which recharge the aquifers. Thus water quality often deteriorates rapidly away from the rivers and with increasing depth to groundwater. Recharge in the central part is low with most of the water derived from precipitation. The velocity of the regional groundwater flow is extremely low.

The Water Supply Projects for both Katima Mulilo- Kongola and Katima Mulilo- Ngoma are aimed to provide potable water to communities in the Zambezi region through the development of infrastructure to ensure a reliable supply of water in acceptable quality and quantity to the communities, to stimulate economic growth and to promote social development. The NWSSP projects in Zambezi are: (1)

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Rehabilitation of Katima Mulilo – Kongola Water Supply Project Phase 1 & 2; (2) Katima Mulilo – Kongola Water Supply Project–Phase 3; and (3) and Katima Mulilo – Ngoma Water Supply Project Phase 3 & Phase 4.

Figure 6: Water Basin Map of Namibia

4.9. Socio-economic 4.9.1. National Socio-economic Environment The population estimate for Namibia is 2.4 million with female 51% and male 49%; and with the race is 87.5% black, 6% white and 6.5% mixed race (Legal Assistance Centre, 2017). Of the population 43% lives in urban whilst 57% live in rural areas (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2012). The population growth rate of the country is slowing, having changed from 2.6% between the first census in 1991 and the second census in 2001, to 1.4% between the second census in 2001 and the third census in 2011. This increase in population has put pressure on local water supply sources, thus the need for the implementation of the

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

NWSSP. In addition, the fact that there is more population in the rural areas as compared to the urban areas, there is great need to address water supply to the rural communities.

Unemployment is particularly acute for rural women. Just over 44% of the female rural labour force was unemployed in 2016 compared to 34% in urban areas (a 10% spread); for men, the 2016 unemployment figures were 34% in rural areas compared to almost 27% in urban areas (a 7% spread) (LAC, 2017; NSA, 2013). Overall, the largest sector of economic activity in both 2014 and 2016 were agriculture, forestry and fishing (29% in 2014 and 20% in 2016), followed by wholesale and retail trade (14% and 10% respectively). The third largest sector overall in 2014 was private households (9%) followed closely by construction (8%). Looking at the unrevised sex-disaggregated data by industry, as of 2014, most economically active women were engaged in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector (30%), followed by wholesale and retail trade (17%) and private households (13%). In terms of the national economy, agriculture and forestry are the leading employers and implying that their contribution to the national economy is vital. However, agriculture and forestry are threatened by climate change and prevailing water supply shortages in the whole country, this justifies the need to readdress the water supply situation in Namibia by the NWSSP. 4.9.2. Local Socio-Economic Environment In the North regions of Namibia over 50% of the households are female headed, due to migrant labour (NSA, 2013). In the rural areas’ women are the primary providers of food and crops for the household and are disproportionally affected by environmental degradation. Access to housing is inadequate and urban service delivery such as water, electricity, sewage and waste disposal represent severe problems (GRN, 2015). Women in rural Namibia compared to their male counterparts are reported to have limited technical skills required to acquire employment or generate income (Angula and Menjono, 2014). Additionally, they have limited access to capital, productive land, knowledge and services. These factors decrease resilience and adaptive capacities of men and women differently (Angula, 2010). The NWSSP will usher in employment possibilities during implementation and through agricultural production potential since there will be potable water suitable for different farming activities.

With sanitation improvements it allows women and girls to enjoy private, dignified sanitation, instead of embarrassment, humiliation and fear from open defecation. Moreover, access to safe drinking water and sanitation reduces the burden on women and girls from looking after sick children or siblings and from water carrying, giving them more time for productive endeavours, (adult) education and leisure. Furthermore, water sources and sanitation facilities closer to home reduce the risk of assault for women, girls, marginalised and vulnerable groups when collecting water (UNESCO-WWAP, 2006).

In terms of HIV/AIDS and diseases, the reliability of drinking water supplies and improved water management in human settlements contribute to reducing spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and dengue fever transmission risks (WSSCC, 2004). The compromised immune system of people living with HIV/AIDS can increase their sensitivity to other diseases, such as tuberculosis and heat stress. Furthermore, a reduction

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report in stagnant water storage translates into less breeding places for mosquitoes, reducing Malaria mostly in Zambezi Region. In addition, safe drinking water and basic sanitation help prevent water-related diseases, including diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera, gastroenteritis, Hepatitis E that has outbreak in the informal settlements of Windhoek, Namibia.

As for maternal health, it has been observed that only 80.3% of women living in rural areas delivered in a health facility, in contrast to 94.7% of women living in urban areas (Couillard, 2015). Moreover, Couillard (2015) added that a crucial factor is that 10% to 15% of deliveries in Namibia take place at home, without adequate and timely critical maternity care, predominantly in rural areas. With safe drinking water and basic sanitation are needed in health-care facilities to ensure basic hygiene practices following delivery. In addition, accessible sources of water reduce labour burdens and health problems resulting from carrying water, thereby reducing maternal mortality risks.

With improved access to sanitation, safe drinking water sources and improved hygiene behaviour lead to a sharp decline in infant and child morbidity and mortality from diarrhoeal diseases. Moreover, children, the elderly and chronically sick also typically exhibit high levels of vulnerability. This arises from their physiological sensitivity, for example the fact that children are most sensitive to cholera and diarrhoea exposure. They also typically have low adaptive capacity through high levels of dependence on others for their survival, including their food security, mobility, and access to information (UNESCO-WWAP, 2006).

Education is very important, thus the availability of water in a community/ village/town promotes a health school enrolment, attendance, retention and performance are improved; teacher placement is improved. In addition, improved health from availability of water and reduced water-carrying burdens improve school attendance, especially among girls. The time lost because of long-distance water collection and poor health contributes to poverty and reduced food security.

4.9.3. Namibian Cultural and Historical Environment In Namibia traditional authorities address issues pertaining to indigenous people. The main indigenous groups in Namibia are the Ovawambo, Herero, Nama/Damara, Kavango and Caprivians. Other minor groups are the Botswana, the San People, the Himbas, and the Topnaar, the Basters, and the Coloureds. The Local Authority Act, Traditional Authority Act and the Communal Land Bill emphasise the role of traditional leaders in planning and decision-making at regional and local levels. At local level the traditional system of chiefs, senior headmen/women and headmen/women preserve the culture of indigenous people and maintain the traditional legal framework. The local cultures, traditions and history provide very lucrative opportunities for tourism especially in the Kunene, Erongo, Hardap and Omaheke Regions. However, water supply challenges are threatening tourism in terms of lack of sustainable sanitation facilities, animals’ migration and dwindling natural resource base due to climate change.

The marginalised Namibian communities such as the Himba in Kunene, Erongo and Omusati Region as well as the San Communities in the Otjozondjupa, Hardap and Omaheke Regions collect water directly

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report from the riverbeds and hand-dug wells and boreholes. However, current trends in climate change and water shortages are needed to cater for their water supply needs through the NWSSP. 4.10. Social and Environmental Impacts of Climate change in Namibia The NWSSP is aimed at addressing impacts of climate change on water supply and scarcity in the different regions. Namibia being one of the hardest hit countries in terms of climate change induced drought, the country has witnessed devastating effects of climate change on the socio-economic folds of communities. The 2018/ 2019 rainfall season has been extremely poor and was seen in the form of delayed of the rainfall season, sporadic and erratic rainfall patterns as well frequent prolonged dry spells compounded by extremely high temperatures that exacerbated evaporation of the little moisture received. This is has affected the agriculture production and water sources, according to Namibia Meteorological Services rainfall report, March 2019 was the fifth consecutive month with suppressed rainfall over the large part of the country, most dams/ reservoirs levels are low due to very low inflow received this season compared to the corresponding period last year.

Provisional crop harvest estimates conducted by the MAWF in December 2018, indicated that crops producing regions were expecting massive reduction in the expected harvest. Cereal production was estimated to have reduced by 70 to 80% in the communal area and by 15% in the commercial below last season’s harvest and over 42% below the 20-year average production. This reduction is compounded by extremely high temperature experienced countrywide during the rainy season resulting in mass wilting of crops during the critical stage of germination, flowering and gain formation. This has been compounded by the outbreak of fall armyworms in large parts of the Zambezi and some parts of Omusati, Kavango East and Kavango West region. We have noted that for this year’s rainy season, we experienced extremely poor rainfall, which subsequently caused considerable delays in the cultivation activities.

NWSSP is aimed at addressing challenges facing the country due to climate change effects. Climate change has particularly affected the following sectors of the economy: livestock losses, reduced grain/crop production and yields, human wildlife conflict migration of animals severe water scarcity due to droughts and increased temperatures. Agriculture, human health and well-being, energy, infrastructure, biodiversity and ecosystems, rangelands are also affected. During the stakeholder consultation process, recommendations on ensuring that there is sustainable water supply to the communities was emphasized, because endure the drought; communities are now insecure in terms of portable water availability. To cite a few specific examples, climate change causes or leads to the following:

Typical cases of drought situation noted in some regions in the country during 2018 /2019; Otjozondjupa region lost 7700 Livestock to drought between October 2018 and March 2019 Livestock number up to 7723 were lost in Otjozondjupa region due to the prevailing drought, area such as Okahandja, Okakarara, Tsumkwe and Omatako Constituencies lost large and small stock due to drought. The situation has now been worsened by continuous deterioration of grazing in both communal and commercial areas, the regional governor stated.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

In July 2019 Governor of Oshikoto Region has expressed great concern on the worsening drought situation in the region. 18 677 households are severely affected. To date, he said, 211 026 people who are considered to be severely affected have been identified and registered to benefit from government’s drought relief programme. He also called for the rehabilitation, drilling and installation of boreholes in Okankolo, Eengodhi and Nehale lyaMpingana constituencies, as well as extension of a water pipeline to the grazing area in Omuntele Constituency. Drought situation in Oshana Region, Uuvudhiya Constituency is hardest hit by the drought situation having endured the dry conditions for the past five years. Many farmers from all the four northern regions of Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Omusati have flocked to Uuvudhiya, where grazing has always been better than many areas in the north. Water from Olushandja to UUvudhiya earth dam by NamWater via the canal have reached the area and that all temporary measures to ensure that water reaches the dry areas are proving fruitful. This was stablished during the prime minister visit in the region in July 2019.

Ohangwena region faces influx of livestock due to drought in 2019, Ohangwena Region has been faced with severe influx of farmers from its neighbouring regions in search of grazing for their livestock as a result of the persistent drought situation. The eastern part of the region is the most affected. The growing population of livestock has put more pressure on available water resources, severe drought conditions that have affected the country forced farmers from regions such as Omusati, Oshana and Kunene to relocate their cattle to Okongo, in the Ohangwena region, for grazing. The governor stated. The recently concluded Food and Nutrition Security Monitoring Assessment conducted biannually since 2016 has consistently indicated that Namibia produces less than 40 percent of the cereals they consume. Subsequent, on May 6 2019, Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia declared a state of emergency due to poor rainfall and the prevalent drought within the country. 500 000 Namibians face food insecurity and water shortages, within six months an estimated 60 000 head of cattle have starved due to inadequate grazing. The assessment also showed that the whole country is expecting a harvest reduction of at least 53 percent compared to last season’s harvest and over 42 percent compared to the 20-year average production. Most communal farmers in Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke and //Karas Region are facing water scarcity as the boreholes are yielding low and some have dried up. About 65 boreholes have been reported to dry up across the country. The water situation in Hardap, Khomas and Kunene region is satisfactory as most of the boreholes still have water to sustain livestock. Water availability in the north central regions is poor as most water catchments have little or no water. The household food security is, as a result, affected negatively, the food stocks at household levels are depleting whereas there will be no harvest to supplement or add to the existing stocks. For animals, the grazing conditions deteriorated severely across the country, leaving the livelihood of the animals under severe pressure. Grazing and water availability for livestock also continue to be a problem in many parts of the country, due to late and poor rainfall performance experienced since the beginning of the rainfall season, but also due to lack of perennial water flows. In certain areas of the country, like Karasburg existing water-based flush toilets cannot be maintained due to the stress they pose on current water resources. The established water-based sanitation system has collapsed and thus poses a significant health threat. The recognition of climate change risks and opportunities is still new in Namibia. Hence, much of the climate change response planning and implementation is mainly reactive in nature Women are and children are severely affected an example is reported from Otjozondjupa region whereby a baby drowned in the bucket of water whilst the mother went to fetch water in a distance of 10 km in Ovitoto area.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Cases of human and wildlife conflict have been on the rise since 2018/2019 dry spells period in the north region of the country.

However, to further address climate change effects in the country further interventions are needed this includes issues such as early warning mechanisms, management practices, water harvesting mechanism, monitoring mechanisms, water infrastructure rehabilitation risk analyses, increase of food security and agricultural productivity as well as numerous case studies from the whole African continent.

In addition, sustainable access to water is Namibia’s most important natural resource. To ensure sustainable long-term access to water, climate change response strategies should include harvesting and capture of water during the rainy season and more efficient water use by sectors, households and individuals. Integrated water resources management is more important than ever in order to promote increased output per unit of water used. 4.10.1. Sanitation and climate change The installation of appropriate sanitation systems is vital to manage and control health risks in Namibia. Poorly planned sanitation systems can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases, such as cholera, when these installations are damaged during floods. Appropriate technologies are critical especially in arid areas where water availability is extremely limited. The recognition of climate change risks and opportunities is still new in Namibia. Hence, much of the climate change response planning and implementation is mainly reactive in nature. This is in part due to limited individual and institutional capacities to undertake systematic climate change response planning. Similar problems have been encountered in developing a national financial framework to address climate change through adaptation to ensure long-term sustainable development. The NWSSP is aimed at addressing climate change resilient and sanitation, the above facts attributed well to the development of this national program. It is highly recommended to ensure that the implementation of the NWSSP sanitation programme, it has to blend/merge into the existing sanitation programmes being implemented by MAWF and Regional Councils.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

5. CHAPTER FIVE: PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES

5.1. Alternatives Assessment According to the EMA EIA Regulations and AfDB SESA process, alternatives must be considered during the SESA process. The Regulations state that “an alternative, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity. Given the serious need to address water security in Namibia, a no-go option is a no consideration.

5.1.1. Routing Alternatives The proposed NWSSP will have linear infrastructure in form of pipelines and in other situation power lines to power pump stations. It is thus crucial that route determining considerations in terms of the local ecology, settlement patterns, cost implications and availability of existing servitudes. Route planning on all site’s Environmental Impact Assessments will have to be done with the use of GIS mapping, to give an overall overview of potential pipeline Right of Way (ROW). Different ROWs for each project are investigated and compared in terms of anticipated impacts, both positive and negative, a cost benefit analysis model can also be used.

5.1.2. Location Alternatives Considerations for alternative sites for sub-projects such as earth dams, well fields, positions of pump stations in rivers as well as reservoirs is crucial for the NWSSP. An environmental, social and economic evaluation of these sites should be performed according to the following criteria: • Ecological Considerations; • Possible permits required; • Land use suitability • Communities and Stakeholders Consultation (Socio-economic) • Cost-Benefit analysis The site selection process for the proposed NWSSP activities will identify optimum locations and routes. These are based on a screening criterion focusing on lowering the potential impacts from the project activities. For example, due to the varying nature of program activities and downstream project activities, each project development (construction and operation) is expected to induce lower impacts on fauna, flora, birds, local fishing, local tourism, archaeological aspects, and near habitation. Site specific alternatives assessment will have to be clearly considered in the projects EIAs and audited against during implementation on compliance to the ESMF to be developed for the NWSSP.

5.1.3. Energy Alternatives The NWSSP sub-projects require energy; however, the provision of energy should be sustainable to ensure long term relevance of the projects. Alternatives to cheap sustainable energy are vital for these sub- projects.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

5.1.4. Siting of water infrastructure Selection of a site for water infrastructure development for NWSSP sub-projects should dependent on economic, ecologic and socio-political concerns regardless. An environmentally ideal site is one which satisfies the following criteria; i. Availability of local land and water resources adequate to supply the required quality and quantity of raw materials without causing unacceptable environmental impact (e.g. clearing of primary forests, wetlands or critical wildlife habitat: and intensification of agriculture which will result in loss of soil fertility, increased erosion etc.) ii. Enough land area to provide planned and expanded dam facilities. iii. Minimal displacement of people and houses; iv. Minimal conflicts with higher valued land use such as crop agriculture, especially in marginal land areas where prime agricultural land may be at a premium; v. Easy access to social and physical infrastructures such as skilled labour pool, support industries, transportation network, energy supply, raw materials and potential market areas; vi. Adequate distance from recreational area, office buildings and housing complexes to minimise the impacts of odours noise and pollutants; vii. Minimal construction and operational impact of the facilities on rare, threatened or endangered species, their habitats or other sensitive ecosystems.

5.1.5. No-go Alternative The implication of the ‘No-go’ alternative on the socio-economic environment of the study area will simply be that none of the positive and or negative impacts associated with the proposed NWSSP will be realised. Similarly, the potential contributions predicted will also be negated. The implication of the ‘No-go’ alternative on the socio-economic environment of on the project sites will simply mean that the status quo will prevail; the lack of adequate water supply and sanitation infrastructure and management capacity. The communities continue to be marginalised. Similarly, the potential economic benefits that can be reaped from the implementation of irrigation schemes from the project will also be negated. As the ‘No-go’ alternative is the baseline against which potential impacts are measured as such, the status quo shall prevail.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

6. CHAPTER SIX: ANTICIPATED IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES The NWSSP activities are associated with different potential impacts (either positive or negative) on the immediate and surrounding receiving socio-economic and biophysical environment. The purpose of this chapter is to present the potential impacts identified, their descriptions and assessment. Understanding the negative impacts would make it easy to provide adequate and practicable mitigation and management measures and their effective implementation in order to minimise such impacts, if possible, avoid the impacts. Identifying and assessing potential negative impacts of the proposed NWSSP projects and related activities ensure that the negative impacts are adequately addressed so that significance impacts are brought under control, while maximizing and enhancing the positive impacts.

6.1. Impacts Identification and Description 6.1.1. Environmental impacts The identified key environmental issues associated with NWSSP activities are listed below:

Biodiversity: NWSSP project activities like construction of bulk water infrastructure, pipeline installations, water purification plants will result in the disturbance of flora, fauna, sensitive ecosystems, habitats, conservancies, national parks and community forests. Secondary habitat disturbance effects include the generation of noise and dust. Local animals in project areas could be affected by the movement of vehicles in the areas to project sites.

Land distrurbances: Project activities such as excavation, trenching, drilling of boreholes, construction water purification plants disturb soil formation, structure and sometimes texture and that can trigger soil erosion, compaction, mixing and removal of site soils leading to physical disturbance of surrounding soils.

Waste generation: NWSSP civil works are associated with generation of waste of all kinds (domestic and general) in most project development phases, but mostly during constructions. The improper handling, storage and disposal of wastes may lead to environmental degradation/pollution. Waste generation would be an ongoing activity for project activities in all phases.

Visual impact: High water infrastructures such as wastewater and water purification plants, reservoirs (elevated water storage tanks) can cause a visual impact on the environment. If not properly designed and planned, presence of water infrastructures' can contrast the surrounding landscape either by infrastructure height, colour and/or shape. This would potentially become a visual nuisance to surrounding land users (communities), especially in areas with little to no vegetation cover Vehicular Traffic Safety: Activities during construction phase of various bulk water infrastructure, wastewater and water purification plants may increase slow moving heavy vehicular traffic along the gravel roads in various communities.

Noise: Civil works for bulk water infrastructure, water purification plants and elevated tanks and the operational works of construction vehicles generate noise that impact the surrounding communities.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Excessive noise can be a health risk to project workers especially during construction phase when operating noisy machinery and vehicles without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Dust impact (air quality): Movements of vehicles during civil works on gravel and single-track roads especially in dry areas and less grass cover areas (rural areas) may lead to the generation of a significant amount of dust. Activities like excavations and trenching of pipelines also generate significant dust.

Health and safety: NWSSP project activities at variouis development phases can potentially cause accidental injury, owing to either minor (i.e. superficial physical injury) or major (i.e. involving heavy machinery or vehicles) accidents, to the workers/locals that are involved in civil works of the projects activities.

Odour: Foul odors are an unfortunate reality at wastewater treatment plants. If left uncontrolled, nuisance odors can waft into public spaces and residential areas located around the treatment plants (Cormier, 2017).

6.1.2. Social Impacts The anticipated sociual grouped are grouped into two categories; positive and megative impacts. The identified key social issues associated with NWSSP activities are listed below:

Negative Social Impacts

Damage to or intruding of private or public properties: The presence of out-of-area construction workers may lead to social annoyance to the local communities. Damage or disturbance to properties is not only for the locals, but properties belonging to the public that may be in vicinity of the project sites. This also include land use and property rights conflicts between communities and implementing agencies

Land Use and land rights issues: (impact on the local communities in terms of jobs): The employment of out-of-area people may give the locals an impression that the out-of-area people are getting jobs at their (locals') expense. Different people may come with different ways of living to the area, which could interfere with the local norms, culture and values.

Social Intrusion: (impact on the local young women and girls): The high influx of workers into the project areas may also lead to sexual relations between project Contractors, skilled labour and the locals, especially young women and girls (schoolgirls mostly) in the respective project areas. In addition, animosity between local elders, local youths due to cultural and day to day way of life intrusion affects project implementation.

Occupational Safety and Health: The safety of the local population may be at risk during the civil works (construction of wastewater and water purification plants, elevated tanks, installation of pumps (electrical shocks and huge pipelines) may entail heavy construction work. The operation of various construction

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report equipment and machinery and the actual construction activities expose the workers to work-related accidents and injuries. Pollutants such as dust and noise could also have negative implications for the health of workers and near-by communities such as respiratory diseases from dust and hearing impairments due to prolonged working under noisy conditions.

Loss of assets or access to assets: Establishment of NWSSP projects in some areas can interfere with the normal access to assets like grazing and fields for communities. This is as a result of demarcation of certain areas to cater for the water development infrastructure, e.g. open canal or long pipeline, which can span over long distances.

Loss of income sources, and or means of livelihood: If people were depending on exploiting resources from the communal lands and NWSSP projects are then established on such lands, their usual source of incomes or livelihoods may be removed causing people to be poorer and forcing them to migrate to other areas for alternative livelihoods.

Conflict over limited freshwater resources: in some areas where water resourecs may not be sufficient for the individuals' needs, some community members may be forced to go collect water from water points allocated to other communities. This may result in local conflicts over community water ownership and rights.

Lack of water supply security: in most areas of Namibia water is supplied by a single source, for example boreholes only. This may not be a viable and sustainable water source for long-term planning, resulting in the unsustainability of the sources.

Over-exploitation/abstraction of water resources: the new and upgraded water resources will need to be filled with water to meet the needs of the communities. The pressure on the implementing agencies to provide water for the communities may lead to over-abstraction of water from the available sources. With the current climate impacts (poor rainfall) experienced in the country, teh replenishing of water sources is low, therefore over-exploiting the available water reserves from the sources.

Involuntary resettlement of people to pave way for the project activities: some of the NWSSP activities may take routes that pass through private lands that they may require the land owners or occupiers to be displaced. This would negatively affect these owners or occupiers of the land in such areas.

Lack of capacity building among implmenting agencies to operate and manage project infrastructures: Currently there is a need to capacitate the stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and operate the water infrastructures. The same issue is expected for the proposed NWSSP projects. Without the necessary capacity the infrastructures will not be operated as expected. Therefore leading to poor water supply to th communities. In most cases, the infrastructure are constructed in communities where there may be capable youth to carry out maintenance. However, due to lack of knowledge and manpower, to even repair basic faulty equipment on the community water infrastructure.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Without addressing this issue, most of the infrastructures will turn into "white elephants", therefore not serving the vital purpose (ensuring water security to communities).

Lack of project coordination among stakeholders: The lack of coordination between regional, local and traditional authorities and communities will imapct the implementation of these projects, thus affecting the communities water supply.

Lack of communities involvement in decision making and mainstreaming of indigenous knowledge in the planning process through consultations: The lack of community involvement in decision making during the early stages of the projects may lead to constructing or locating projects in areas that may not be serving the truly affected communities. Exclusion of indigenous knowledge in the project plannings may lead to missing out on crucial input that may aid in optimum project location to serve the communities that need the infrastructures/water points.

Positive Social Impacts

Economic Productive Time Usage: The NWSSP water supply projects are linked not only to community health, but also to the consumption of productive time. In some cases, people particularly women; children and marginalized groups need to cover long distances to collect water. This consume a significant part of their daily productive time. The easy access to reliable water will mean the time spend collecting water is reduced. If a reliable supply of water provided closer to communities, the time previously used to travel long distances to collect water can be more productively spent on attending to household chores, attending livestock and mahangu fields (rural communities), or on other economic and income-generating activities, thereby raising the standard of living for the communities. Community Labour Component: The input of the local people/communities would be in the form of labour for clearing ways for the pipelines, construction of treatment water purification plants, excavations, backfill and compaction of the pipeline trenches among various activities. It is the locals to provide all the unskilled labour in their respective areas. The payment they do receive provides a valuable cash injection into the community, particularly for women, who do not otherwise have much income generating alternatives open to them. Construction Salaries: The contractors and sub-contractors appointed to carry out the construction work for projects at various project development phases and sites must employ labourers from within the Project Area, and therefore from the local communities. On water supply projects, the labour component constitutes approximately 15% of the total costs, which given the high cost of such projects nowadays, translates into a significant amount of money paid to local people employed by the contractor. Since these community members will exclusively be from a previously disadvantaged background, this will contribute, at grass roots level, directly to the stated Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) aims of the Namibian Government.

Improved community health: Provision of safe reliable potable water and basic sanitation means the outbreak of poor water quality supply related diseases are reduced.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Empowerement of woman and children: The provision of potable water means girls and woman who were previously spent more time collecting water will use that time to do other economic activites leading to ther empowerement.

Job opportunities: the construction and installation of various bulk water infrastructure create employment opportunities to the local people including woman who had previously not employed.

Skills transfer and employment (Construction phase): The construction of new and upgrading of water infrastructures provide temporary skilled and unskilled employment opportunities to the local communities. The income generated from temporary jobs benefit the individual workers’ households/families. Furthermore, the proposed project activities result in the improvement in skills and therefore improved employability for the people employed. 6.1.3. Cumulative Impacts Local economic empowerment: Water is the driving force for all activities in the society including economic activities and without it; many of these would not be possible. With these water infrastructure, the communities can come up with local economic (women, youth and marginalized communities) initiatives such as agricultural projects (irrigation) to generate income and profit for the households and community. For urban areas, the provision of adequate water to the residents and industries/businesses will see a huge growth in the economy.

Improved health and quality of life: Provision of clean water and basic sanitation improve the health status of communities through reduction of water related and water borne diseases in future. Provision of sanitation reduce open defecation. This improves the quality of life, increase self-esteem of woman who were previously responsible for collection of water.

Access to safe reliable water and basic sanitation: The communities in the projects' areas will have permanent access to safe reliable clean water for both domestic and agriculture and other economic activities. The communities, especially in some rural areas no longer must travel long distances to collect water. This will not only lead to a drastic improvement in general communities, but institutional sanitations, especially at schools in rural areas. Permanent Employment and Skills Transfer (Operational and maintenance phase): The operation and maintenance of water infrastructure like wastewater and water treatment plants create permanent employment opportunities. The income generated continuously benefits the permanent employees and their families. Furthermore, the skills obtained will result in the improvement in skills of these communities which improves future employability of the employees. The NWSSP potential environmental and social positive and negative impacts identified from the proposed projects activities are alluded in Table 9:

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Table 7: Impact Assessment Criteria as per the IFC (2012)

Duration – What is the length of the negative impact?

None No Effect Short Less than one year Moderate One to ten years Permanent Irreversible Magnitude – What is the effect on the resource within the study area? None No Effect Small Affecting less than 1% of the resource Moderate Affecting 1-10% of the resource Great Affecting greater than 10% of the resource Spatial Extent – what is the scale of the impact in terms of area, considering cumulative impacts and international importance? Local In the immediate area of the impact Regional / National Having large scale impacts International Having international importance Type – What is the impact Direct Caused by the project and occur simultaneously with project activities Indirect Associated with the project and may occur at a later time or wider area Cumulative Combined effects of the project with other existing / planned activities Probability Low <25% Medium 25-75% High >75%

6.1.4. Impact 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. Once the above factors (in Table 6) have been ranked for each potential impact, the impact significance of each is assessed using the criteria in Table 7. The impact significance will then be rated according to the significance classes (also presented in Table 8).

Table 8: Impact significance (IFC, 2012) Class Significance Descriptions 1 Major Impact Impacts are expected to be permanent and non- reversible on a national scale and/or have international significance or result in a legislative non- compliance. 2 Moderate Impact Impacts are long term, but reversible and/or have regional significance. 3 Minor Impacts are considered short term, reversible and/or localized in extent. 4 Insignificant No impact is expected. 5 Unknown There are insufficient data on which to assess significance. 6 Positive Impacts are beneficial

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The impacts assessment will also be done in conjunction with the AfDB key environmental policies triggered and these are presented in Table 8 below.

Table 9: AfDB Key Environmental Policies Triggered No. AfDB Key Environmental issues triggered Key Yes No 1. Reversing Land Degradation and Desertification RLDD [X] [...] 2. Protecting the Coastal Zone PCZ [...] [X] 3. Protecting Global Public Goods PGPG [X] [..] 4. Improving Public Health IPH [X] [..] 5. Enhancing Disaster Management Capabilities EDMC [X] [..] 6. Promoting Sustainable Industry, Mining and Energy Resources PSIMER [X] [..] 7. Improving Urban Environmental Management IUME [..] [X] 8. Environmental Governance EG [X] [..] 9. Institution and Capacity Building ICB [X] [..] 10. Increasing Awareness IA [X] [..] 11. Stakeholder Participation SP [X] [..]

The potential impacts stemming from the proposed NWSSP project activities are assessed per project component/type activities. In other words, three tables will be provided to present the assessment of the impacts stemming from; climate-resilient bulk water infrastructures, rural water supply and sanitation and wastewater treatment and reclamation. The assessment of impacts associated with climate-resilient bulk water infrastructure is given in Table 9, wastewater treatment and reclamation in Table 9 and rural water supply and sanitation in Table 10.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Table 10: Environmental Impacts assessment for bulk water supply infrastructures, rural water supply and sanitation components IMPACTS AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMPONENTS PROJECT DURATION MAGNITUDE EXTENT TYPE PROBABILITY SIGNIFI

PHASE CANCE

STABILITY

USE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Vegetation x x x x X x x x x x x x Construction Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Clearing & Operation Wildlife x x x x x x x Construction Short Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Disturbances & Operation Soil and Landscape x x x x X x x x x x x Construction Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Disturbances and Operation Water Abstraction x x x x x x x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Regional Direct High >75% Major Wastewater x x x x x x x x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Handling Solid waste x x x x x x x x Construction Permanent Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Generation and Operation Vehicular x x X x x x x Construction Short Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Movements Construction of x x x X x x x x x x x x x Construction Permanent Moderate Regional Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major New Infrastructure and Operation Machinery x x X x x x x x Construction Permanent Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Operation and Operation Hazardous x x x x x x Construction Permanent Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Substances and Operation

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

IMPACTS AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMPONENTS PROJECT DURATION MAGNITUDE EXTENT TYPE PROBABILITY SIGNIFI

PHASE CANCE

STABILITY

USE

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS Water Reclamation Construction Permanent Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor x x x x x x x x and Operation Water Supply x x x x x x x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Regional Direct Medium 25 - 75% Positive Social Aspects x x x x x x x x x Construction Short Small Local Direct Low <25% Major Proliferation Backward and x x x x Construction Permanent Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Forward and Operation Integration Boost in water x x x x X x x x x x x x Operation Permanent High Regional Direct High >75% Major reliant activities Employment x x X x x x x x x Construction Permanent High Regional Direct High >75% Major Creation and Operation Livelihood x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Regional Direct High >75% Major Development Climate Resilience x x x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Regional Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Inclusion of x x x x x x x Construction Permanent Moderate Regional Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Women and and Operation Children Sanitation and x x x x x Operation Permanent High Regional Direct High >75% Major Health Improved

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

IMPACTS AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMPONENTS PROJECT DURATION MAGNITUDE EXTENT TYPE PROBABILITY SIGNIFI

PHASE CANCE

STABILITY

USE

FAUNA AND FLORA AND FAUNA QUALITY WATER QUANTITY WATER LAND SLOPEAND SOIL INTRUSIONVISUAL QUALITY AIR HUMANSETTLEMENTS NUISANCE PUBLIC SERVICE & INFRASTRUCTURE AGRICULTURE ARCHAEOLOGY SAFETY & HEALTH PUBLIC INCOME OF SOURCE HERITAGE & CULTURE Developed Water x x x x Operation Permanent High Regional Direct High >75% Major administrative system Land Use change Construction Permanent Medium Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor x x x x X x x x x x x x and Operation Occupational x Construction Short Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Hazards Pressure on local x x x X x x x x Construction Short Medium Local Indirect Medium 25 - 75% Minor services and and Operation Resources

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Table 11: Environmental Impact and Aspects assessment for wastewater treatment and reclamation project activities IMPACTS AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS PROJECT DURATION MAGNITUDE EXTENT TYPE PROBABILITY SIGNIFI

PHASE CANCE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Vegetation x x x x X x x x x x x x Construction Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Clearing & Operation Soil and Landscape x x x x X x x x x x x Construction Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Disturbances and Operation Groundwater and x x x x x x x x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Surface water Pollution Solid waste x x x x x x x x Construction Permanent Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Generation and Operation Vehicular x x X x x x x Construction Short Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Movements Construction of x x x X x x x x x x x x x Construction Permanent Moderate Regional Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major New Infrastructure and Operation Machinery x x X x x x x x Construction Permanent Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Operation and Operation Hazardous x x x x x x Construction Permanent Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Substances and Operation

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

IMPACTS AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS PROJECT DURATION MAGNITUDE EXTENT TYPE PROBABILITY SIGNIFI

PHASE CANCE

FAUNA AND FLORA AND FAUNA QUALITY WATER QUANTITY WATER USELAND STABILITY SLOPEAND SOIL INTRUSIONVISUAL QUALITY AIR HUMANSETTLEMENTS NUISANCE PUBLIC SERVICE & INFRASTRUCTURE AGRICULTURE ARCHAEOLOGY SAFETY & HEALTH PUBLIC INCOME OF SOURCE HERITAGE & CULTURE Water Reclamation Construction Permanent Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor x x x x x x x x and Operation Water Supply x x x x x x x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Regional Direct Medium 25 - 75% Positive Social Aspects x x x x x x x x x Construction Short Small Local Direct Low <25% Major Proliferation Backward and x x x x Construction Permanent Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Forward and Operation Integration Boost in water x x x x X x x x x x x x Operation Permanent High Regional Direct High >75% Major reliant activities Employment x x X x x x x x x Construction Permanent High Regional Direct High >75% Major Creation and Operation Livelihood x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Regional Direct High >75% Major Development Climate Resilience x x x x x Operation Permanent Moderate Regional Direct Medium 25 - 75% Major Sanitation and x x x x x Operation Permanent High Regional Direct High >75% Major Health Improved Land Use change Construction Permanent Medium Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor x x x x X x x x x x x x and Operation Occupational x Construction Short Small Local Direct Medium 25 - 75% Minor Hazards

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

IMPACTS AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS PROJECT DURATION MAGNITUDE EXTENT TYPE PROBABILITY SIGNIFI

PHASE CANCE

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

6.2. Further Environmental and Social Impact Assessments

In light of the above impacts’ analysis and significance, it is imperative to note the following considerations:

i. The impacts identified herein are subject to further assessments for the required Regional Strategic Environmental & Social Management Plans for sub-projects. These will address sub- project impacts and incorporated Sub-Environmental and Social Management Plans. ii. Where a specialist study is conducted, recommendations from the specialist study will be incorporated into the sub-project ESMP in the Regional Strategic Environmental and Social Management Plan. Where a similar scenario applies within the surroundings, the recommendations will also. iii. Please refer to the section 3.2 of the ESMF Report on what is next on environmental and social assessments.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

7. CHAPTER SEVEN: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES FOR SUB-PROJECT CONSIDERATION

Alternatives in this report are mainly consists of any of the following options:

1. Alternative scenarios for patterns of downstream investments. 2. Alternative target geographical areas. 3. Alternative technologies or processes.

Main areas where alternatives for decreasing the potential negative environmental and social impacts are mainly in the selection of water infrastructure technology, water source, pipeline routing (Right of Ways (RoW)), and reliability of water sources and quality and operation of the infrastructure. For sub- projects considerations the following analysis of alternatives/options should be considered:

7.1. Water Sources (groundwater or surface water) Regional stakeholder engagement revealed that several communities with existing boreholes are drying up. This proves the unsustainability and unreliability of the groundwater source in many areas across the country. In several communities where these boreholes are solely a water sources; water security challenges are prevalent. For all the sub-projects that are considering boreholes/well fields as their water sources particularly in regions like Omaheke (Otjombinde) and //Karas-Hardap (Salt Block Area) there is need to look at other alternative water sources that will augment the borehole source. In some instances, water can be piped for long distances to these areas from reliable sources to ensure sustainability of the program in such areas. The following considerations should guide the selection of the water sources:

1. The ability of the water source to supply the required water needs for that community/region 2. The sustainability and reliability of the source over a long run 3. The quality of water to serve the purpose it is required for; domestic, agriculture, industrial and the associated costs of purifying the water to meet the desired quality. 4. The energy costs of pumping that water from the source and the affordability of water after pumping

The designing should consider the cost-effectiveness of the water source and assess if seasonal changes will affect water quality and quantity. 7.1.1. Water Quality Groundwater in dry regions particularly for sub-projects in Hardap and Karas that fall under the Salt Block Areas, the quality of the water is not suitable for human consumption. Majority of the groundwater in these two regions falls under the class C and D which is not consumable by humans. During drilling and

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report borehole siting, it is crucial that all alternative areas with water in class A or B are considered. The following parameters should guide the quality of the water when selecting groundwater sources: • pH • total alkalinity • total hardness • total alkalinity and hardness

Water of poor quality increases the costs of water to communities by increasing the costs of purifying this water.

7.2. Pipeline Routing (Right of Way) During planning, designing and surveying of RoWs for NWSSP pipelines constructions, it is important to always make sure that routes that cause minimum environmental and social adverse impacts are prioritized. RoW that interferes with critical social and cultural areas like graveyards, heritage sites, and reserved community ritual areas should be carefully considered and avoided at planning phase. The aim should be on avoiding such areas. Environmental conservation practices associated with NWSSP pipelines construction include route selection; timing of construction; and construction techniques. Selection of RoW for pipelines should consider the following key points: i. Minimize potential disturbance to soils, aquatics, wetlands, native vegetation, wildlife, heritage resources and community traditional use sites; ii. Parallel existing linear developments (e.g. roads, trails, cut lines, seismic lines, power lines, rail lines) to minimize the overall area of disturbance to soils, aquatics, wetlands, native vegetation, wildlife, heritage resources and community traditional use sites; iii. Minimize number of watercourse crossings and cross watercourses at right angles to conserve aquatic resources; iv. Avoid, where practical, or minimize crossings of marshes, swamps, bogs and sloughs to conserve wetlands, native vegetation, wildlife habitat and community traditional use sites; v. Avoid or minimize length on sensitive landscapes (e.g., native prairie, sand dunes, coulee complexes, steep slopes) to conserve native vegetation, wildlife habitat and community traditional use sites; vi. Avoid or minimize length on isolated bush or wooded areas to conserve native vegetation, wildlife habitat and community traditional use sites; vii. Adhere to setbacks distances from important natural features (e.g. mineral licks, wildlife features such as nest, dens, staging areas, lambing areas, calving areas) to conserve wildlife values; viii. Avoid known archaeological or historical sites or areas of high archaeological or paleontological potential, where practical, to conserve heritage resources; and ix. Avoid known ceremonial/spiritual sites, habitation sites and resource gathering sites to conserve traditional use sites of community groups.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

7.3. Heritage Sites and Conservancies Analyzing all heritage and conservancy areas/sites in constituencies by identifying these sites at planning stage is crucial so that all designs avoid wherever possible these areas. Although the shortest distance may be the most cost-effective from a construction standpoint, any savings can quickly be erased if it requires more permitting on heritage, nature conservation and land ownership permits. If a route crosses a high number of property lines or in proximity with a sensitive area, the chances of running into a delay due to problems with a landowner or a local regulatory agency increase. Therefore, it is vital that these areas are considered during alternative sites analysis for NWSSP sub-projects, scale every suggested RoW or site against the risk of interfering with heritage and conservancy areas. Quantifying and/or weighting variables can be done using several different methodologies, including:

1) Risk assessments 2) Environmental studies 3) Cost-benefit analysis

7.4. Technological Considerations There are several technological options that can be considered by NWSSP sub-projects activities that improve the implementation of the program, help to reduce downstream environmental and social impacts. Some of the available technological options are described below: 7.4.1. Cost of Infrastructure and Water The designing and procurement of water infrastructure technology should ensure that the process is relatively cheap so that water would be affordable by communities. If the new water becomes too expensive, communities would not be able to access the water despite it being close to them. When designing options are considered, the affordability of water should also determine the type, extend and compatibility of various technologies from pipelines, pumps, tanks, canals, water purification facilities. Also, the environmental effects and risks associated with every technology should be critical analyzed so that the best technology that is both environmentally friendly and that would allow water to be affordable should be considered first to ensure sustainable operations of the program. 7.4.2. Sanitation Technology There is need to make sure the sanitation technology proposed in areas that have limited access to water is sustainable that it would not use more water. On such cases, technology like Ventilated Pit Latrines (VPL) can be proposed. However, carefully consideration and assessment of alternatives on siting of these toilets should ensure that they do not pollute groundwater sources. 7.5. Energy Considerations The NWSSP sub-projects require enormous amounts of energy specifically for activities like pumping of water, operation of wastewater and water purification plants. It is vital that alternative sources of energy that are sustainable be considered at planning stage to ensure sustainable operation of the program. Solar

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

energy should be considered first since the country receive good amount of solar energy. Solar energy is cheap, clean and sustainable. Pump houses, wastewater treatment sites, water purification plants can be installed solar systems and operate under solar energy. This also means less cost of water since the production costs are cut down by reducing the use of coal or imported electricity. During the selection of the appropriate source of energy to power various NWSSP sub-projects activities, the following should be considered:

1. The sustainability of the source of the energy 2. The pollution and other environmental and social impacts associated with the source of energy 3. The availability of the source 4. The cost of water to the users after factoring in energy costs and other costs of delivering water to the communities.

Example of a check sheet that is used would apply selecting sub-projects designing alternatives/options Table 12: Checklist for selecting sub-projects alternatives Project Nature Energy Energy Right of Way RoW Water Source Social Impacts costs($) requirements (Cost) (Environmen Resettle Health (sustainability) t impacts) Quality Reliability ment

Solar Grid Solar Grid D1 D2 D3 D4 C1 C2 C2 A B RL1 RL2 R1 R2 H1 H2 Construction of a pipeline to Salt Block Area in Karas, Namibia to supply three constituencies in Hardap and Karas Regions

Key: C1, C2, C3 – Environmental impacts and risks categories with C1 as less risk in terms of environmental damage, less heritage and other environmental sensitive issues; D1, D2, D3 – Distance to be covered by the proposed pipeline route in meters expressed as a cost; RL1, RL2 – reliability of the water source to sustain water supply in a long run. R1, R2 – the number potential people/families to be relocated/resettled with R1 having least or no people to be resettled; H1, H2 – are the health and safety risks associated with that option.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

An ideal option would be that one with less energy costs, that can be installed and use solar energy, with shortest RoW distance that presents less environmental and social impacts to the communities and surroundings. The option should relocate the least number of people or not relocating anyone but also with less associated health and safety concerns/issues.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

8. CHAPTER EIGHT: SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT/ SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

8.1. Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholder consultation for the NWSSP SESA study was mainly with key regional stakeholders from government institutions, constituency leadership, and traditional leadership of the communities that are directly impacted. The consultations comprised of the phase 2 of the NWSSP stakeholder engagement process. Thirteen regions where NWSSP activities/sub-projects will be implemented were consulted. Participatory, free and harmonised approaches were used during the regional stakeholder engagement.

The stakeholder consultation process aimed to:

i. Inform key stakeholders about the proposed NWSSP specific tasks to be implemented across their 13 regions in various communities and the likely impacts of the activities to the respective communities and general surroundings. ii. Gather the views of the key stakeholders about the NWSSP activities/sub-projects, how different NWSSP activities affect them, what are their priorities and expectations. iii. Accommodate the stakeholders' concerns during the specific project implementation to improve program implementation. iv. Establish the social implications of the project on the different stakeholders so that adequate measures are planned.

The stakeholders were identified based on:

i. The nature of the sub-project to be implemented in each Region ii. The type of organisations operating in different regions, the civil society, NGOs, parastatals, government agents. iii. The anticipated impacts of the proposed activities in each Region including the social impact of the projects. iv. Gender groups and organisations operational in various regions v. Structure of governance in various regions. A key stakeholder database per region was created. Below is a list of all identified stakeholders that were invited and attended focus group discussions and regional meetings from the 13 regions:

1) MAWF-Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Committee 2) MAWF-Directorate of Forestry 3) MAWF-Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services (DAPEES) 4) River Basin Management Committies 5) National Planning Commision 6) Ministry of Environment and Tourism 7) Ministry of Land Reform (MLR)

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

8) Ministry of Health and Social Services 9) Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services 10) Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare 11) Ministry of Works and Transport 12) NamWater 13) Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) 14) Regional Councils 15) Municipality/ Town Council 16) Village Council 17) Resettlement 18) Ombudsman 19) Civil Society Organisations 20) Community Forests 21) Conservancies 22) Traditional Authority

However, the specific stakeholders invited varied per region based on the reasons provided above. 8.2. Stakeholder Consultation Activities The stakeholder engagement process was separated into two phases:

Phase 1: This was the first phase and it commenced just after the approval of the SESA contract between AfDB and the Consultant. It started 23rd of August until 30th October 2019. The key participants consulted were the 3 implementing agencies; MAWF (Head Office), NamWater (Head Office), CoW. The consultation was running throughout the SESA study and it was the longest; and

Phase 2: Stakeholder consultation with a full range of national level stakeholders was done at regional level. The meetings took place in the 13 regions from the 7th October to 22nd October 2019. One meeting was facilitated in each region. During the meetings and consultations, gender mainstreaming and representation was observed including the inclusion of youth and another special demographic that are affected by the implementation of the NWSSP.

8.2.1. Phase 1: Three meetings were held with implementing agencies. Details of the meetings are given in the table below. Table 13: Inception meetings with the three Implementing agencies No. Implementing agencies Date 1 MAWF representatives 23 August 2019 2 City of Windhoek representatives 28 August 2019 3 NamWater representatives 28 August 2019

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

8.2.2. Phase 2: Regional Meetings Thirteen meetings were held in 13 regions across the country. Details of the meetings are presented in the table below.

Table 14: Details of the Regional stakeholder consultation meetings Region Date Venue Men Woman Youth Total Hardap 07 October 2019 MAWF Water Supply Offices, 10 4 2 14 Mariental Erongo 08 October 2019 Forestry Offices, MAWF Walvis Bay 8 5 3 13 Karas 10 October 2019 MAWF Water Supply Offices, 19 2 2 21 Keetmanshoop Omaheke 11 October 2019 MAWF Water Supply Offices, 14 4 3 18 Gobabis Oshikoto 14 October 2019 Odhikoto Regional Council Offices, 24 4 3 28 Omuthiya Oshana 14 October 2019 Rochas Hotel, Oshakati 5 1 - 6 Omusati 15 October 2019 MAWF Rural Water Supply Offices, 4 1 1 5 Outapi Ohangwena 16 October 2019 MITSMED Offices, Eenhana 15 7 16 22 Kavango West 16 October 2019 Kavango West Regional Council 6 3 1 9 Offices, Nkurenkuru Kavango East 17 October 2019 MAWF Rural Water Supply Offices, 10 1 2 11 Rundu Zambezi 17 October 2019 MAWF Forestry Regional 2 3 0 5 Headquarters, Conference, Katima Mulilo Khomas 21 October 2019 Namibia Scientific Society 7 2 1 9 Conference Room, Windhoek Otjozondjupa 22 October 2019 Otjozondjupa Regional Council 4 0 1 4 Boardroom Otjiwarongo

8.3. Gender issues It is very important to mainstream gender issues when implementing programs like NWSSP that directly impact women and other vulnerable groups in societies. Women play a critical role in the management of water at household level; they are responsible for the collection of domestic water, manage its use and other activities like gardening. Their involvement in water development programs improves water utilisation and management. Lack of women and youth participation was noticeable throughout the consultation process in the 13 regions including the youths. These two groups were not fully represented. The Figure below shows gender and youth representation during the national stakeholder consultation meetings in the thirteen regions.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Figure 7: Gender representation during national stakeholder meetings with poor woman and youth representation

8.3.1. Gender Mainstreaming 1. Gender and Domestic Water in Namibia

The stakeholder consultations exhibited that woman and children in Namibia are responsible for the collection of domestic water, manage the use of domestic water but less represented/involved in key decision-making process (Figure 7 above). For successful implementation of NWSSP woman involvement from planning, designing, construction and operations of sub-projects is important. Woman should take central role in the development of NWSSP activities. The burden of fetching drinking water outdoor sources falls disproportionately on girls and women. The lack of access to safe water therefore affects women and girls more acutely. Girls often have to walk long distances to fetch water in the early morning. This affects their performance at school as they may arrive late and tired at school and at times miss the school completely. This led to girls from communities that have limited or no access to water to drop out of school. Providing water closer to homes increases girls' free time and boosts their school attendance.

2. Gender Mainstreaming in NWSSP

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

According to the Namibia Statistics Agency in 2011, the number of female headed household was 44% the whole country, (46% of the rural households were female headed). These are the main group responsible for managing water at household level. Women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water. The gender mainstreaming strategy in NWSSP will focus on increasing access to sub-project activities for women as well as increasing their participation in project implementation, community representation and decision-making sectors. The project should allocate funds that support and promote involvement of women in the management and supply of water. NWSSP should support gender sensitisation and awareness raising for relevant staff on regional and constituency staff, beneficiaries (communities) and local (traditional and political) leaders. Such training will assist to: (i) Increase the gender awareness; (ii) Strengthen the community leadership and participation skills with special emphasis on women and (iii) Contribute to improved decision making and empowerment skills training for women beneficiaries. The Regional gender officers from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare should fully support the program to take a leading role in the proposed gender specific activities and to properly monitor and evaluate them. 8.3.2. National Stakeholder Engagement and Gender Stakeholder awareness, engagement and capacity are recognized as the long-term keys to water resource security. During the national stakeholder engagement process, the following issues among gender issues were noted that need attention prior and during the implementation of NWSSP: i. Lack of a sound communication strategy in the water and sanitation sector particularly with woman involvement. ii. Limited availability of water related data, information and reports iii. Lack of stakeholder engagement platforms such as Basin Management Committees in most basins. iv. Need for raising awareness to obtain maximum participation in integrated water resources management from all users at regional level. v. Lack of stakeholder involvement in decision making and delegation of responsibility for integrated water resources management, water demand management and water conservation in particular vi. Lack of focus group discussion platforms to discuss critical water issues. vii. Lack of integration of women into integrated water resources management, water demand management and water conservation related workplaces as indicated with fig 23 above. viii. Lack of integration of women in water management committees and water sector institutions at all levels. ix. Lack of appropriate sanitation awareness and engagement programmes for rural and peri-urban communities. Key issues raised The key concerns raised during the national stakeholders were group into three clusters; social, environmental and economic. 8.4. Key Social issues

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Several issues were raised during the regional stakeholder meetings. Specific concerns raised by stakeholders are attached in Appendices section. Majority of the consulted stakeholders; government departments and institutions, ministries, NGOs, constituency leadership, traditional authorities and other groups were very supportive of the project and in the stakeholders meetings about 99% of the respondents had no objection to the implementation of NWSSP and were informed of the current challenges the water sector in Namibia is facing.

Very few stakeholders had reservations on the success of NWSSP as they held the consultation process with suspicion citing that many similar promises had been made and never fulfilled. This led to questions like when construction activities are going to start during the consultation process. The constituency leaders and traditional authorities expressed so much hope that the program activities will provide them with an opportunity for livelihood improvement. As a result, they expect their constituency members to be employed during the program implementation. Below is a summary of key social issues raised during national stakeholder consultation: 8.4.1. Affordability of the Water In all the 13 regions consulted, stakeholders were worried on the price of water after these new water sub-projects. Majority were afraid that the water would be expensive despite the government of Namibia already subsidising the water. 8.4.2. Improved Health Stakeholders are excited that the program will improve health due to accessibility of water and provision of sanitation. They also believe that the program will reduce threats of waterborne diseases in their regions. 8.4.3. Displacement of People Stakeholders are worried on the issues of displacement of people in cases where water infrastruture is installed or pipelines passs through their properties. A few are more concerned that they can be negatively displaced off their fields and gardens. 8.4.4. Expectations All the 13 regions had high expectations, with other stakeholders asking the exact dates the sub-projects start to be implemented in their regions. There is need to manage expectations of stakeholders. The planning stage is bringing a lot of anxiety and anticipation as most stakeholders do not know exactly what will happen and when it will happen. Some were asking on when the finances for the projects will be released.

8.4.5. Heritage Sites Constituency leaders, regional MET officers, civil society groups, nature conservation groups expressed concerns on the protection of heritage sites and endangered species during construction activities of the implementation phase.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

8.4.6. Property Right Conflicts Issues of property rights were raised by stakeholders. Existence of conflicts between communities and beneficiaries on rights to use water was also observed. 8.4.7. HIV/AIDS Infection Stakeholders are concerned on the invasion of their communities with new people that would come to do several project related activities. These newcomers can impregnate girls in these areas and engaged in sexual activities that can increase the spread of HIV/AIDS in these communities. 8.4.8. Poor Stakeholder Participation A high level of key stakeholder participation during the project planning and designing is vital as a buy in process. Constituencies are used to top down approaches were projects are just handed over to them without their initial consent. Poor stakeholder participation was common in the Northern Regions of Namibia particularly the Oshana, Omusati and Zambezi Regions. Low attendance was also recorded in the Khomas and Otjozondjupa Regions. Where there was poor attendance; questionnaires were distributed to the relevant stakeholders by regional MAWF DWSSC. This poor stakeholder participation is likely to result in the lack of ownership of the NWSSP projects in the regions above. Some stakeholders had no appreciation of water issues in their regions that they cannot identify water resources in their areas. This affected their level of engagement and on what issues to engage. Majority of the time during meetings were lost on trying to explain water sources and not discuss pertinent issues. 8.4.9. Further Consultations The stakeholders are worried on the lack of involvement of communities/locals. Many of these stakeholders had experience with EIA stakeholder participation process; it was their first time to participate in a SESA process so they were confused on the expected level of participation and who should have been invited to the meetings. They recommended further involvement of communities were the projects will be implemented including the chiefs of the areas. However, to manage expectations it is vital that the locals are engaged during the right time when the EIAs of specific activities are done in their localities. At this stage, it is about strategic planning of the program. 8.4.10. Water Use Priorities Majority of the stakeholders prioritized the provision of domestic water across the country. In the northern central regions, water for agriculture was second on their priority water need list and in the south regions, water for livestock was their second priorities. There is need to consider these priorities during the planning, designing and implementation of NWSSP activities to ensure sustainability of the program. Figure 8 below summarizes the water use priority responses from stakeholders.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

Domestic only

Domestic and Livestock

Domestic and Irrigation

Domestic, livestock and irrigation

Domestic, irrigation and livestock

Domestic, livestock, wildlife and irrigation Domestic, Institutions and industrial water

Figure 8: Water use priorities from stakeholders.

8.4.11. Safe and Healthy Issues Stakeholders in areas with existing canals expressed concern on the safety and health issues associated with these canals. It is important that careful considerations are made for the NWSSP sub-projects that are involving canals. Some of the issues cited are: i. Vandalism of canals ii. Theft iii. Risk to the people and animals (accidents, drowning) iv. Evaporation v. Pollution, dumping of material waste into the canals 8.4.12. Sanitation issues The sanitation component was not clear by the time stakeholder consultation process was conducted. Many questions related to the proposed technology and criteria for selection of the proposed 500 beneficiaries in each region kept appearing throughout the national stakeholder consultation process. Issues on lack of additional sanitation facilities like potable water/taps to wash hands were raised by stakeholders.

8.5. Key environmental issues 8.5.1. Water Sources In most regions were reliance on groundwater is high, stakeholders expressed worry on this source to support the program. They are afraid that boreholes will dry as it is the case of the past. Some expressed

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report concern on the quality of water from groundwater sources. Some are worried on the resources use and competition between water users after the competition of the water projects. 8.5.2. Pollution Participants particularly from the health ministries and departments raised issues of pollution due to sanitation projects in areas that have no access to potable water. Various proposals were brought forward on how the designing of the sanitation facilities can be improved to make sure that pollution of groundwater will not happen. The issue of open defecation was dominating in many regions and it is contaminating water sources in these regions. 8.5.3. Environmental disturbance Some stakeholders are concerned on the land disturbance that will occur during the implementation that will consequently affect the environment of the surrounding areas and communities where these projects would be implemented. 8.5.4. Technological related issues Stakeholders are concerned on different types of technological interventions that will come with the NWSSP sub-projects and their effects to the environment. In the northern part of the country, stakeholders are worried on the technology to be used for water harvesting and there is widespread unclear understanding on whether water harvesting is done at household level or through small earth dams to harness flood water. Stakeholders suggested solar powered water facilities are utilised to save energy and to ensure sustainability of the program.

8.6. Key Economic issues Several key economic issues related to the implementation of the NWSSP sub-projects in various communities were discussed. A brief description of these issues is given below: 8.6.1. Employment Stakeholders are concerned on the creation of employment for their people in areas they lead. They cited the need to consider locals first when job opportunities arise. 8.6.2. Business Opportunities Some stakeholders were more concerned on the nature of tenders that would be advertised for the implementation of NWSSP. The implementation of the program is presenting them with opportunities to supply some of the material needed during civil works.

8.6.3. Improvement of Livelihoods Several stakeholders believe that the implementation of NWSSP will improve the livelihoods of many communities through provision of safe reliable water in their constituencies. They also listed activities that they would wish to embark on once having water.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

8.6.4. Improved Food Security Several stakeholders see the opportunity to improve country’s food security through the program since some sub-projects support agriculture.

8.7. Program Implementation related issues The regional stakeholders particularly the MAWF Water Supply Division are worried on who will be managing and monitoring the projects including the contractors in their regions. They cited lack of regional involvement in the implementation of national projects in the past because decisions are made at head office in Windhoek and contractors work directly with the national office. Regional offices are worried that contractors will come from Windhoek into their regions, execute projects without their involvement. On what requirements, other permits and licenses sub-projects need to obtain/ satisfy before implementation, the stakeholders recommended consideration of the following issues on Figure 9:

Water permit Traditional procedures Stakeholders consultation Social studies Servitudes Resettlement Plan Legal requirements Land permits Ecological studies

implementation Feasibility studies Environmental approval Designs layouts Community Participation

Resettlement Action Plan Other requirements Other requirements needed before project 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Percentage

Figure 9: Other permits and license requirements stakeholders recommended before implementation.

NB: Full record of the issues raised is contained in the public consultation documents that are attached in the appendices of this report.

8.8. Limitations to Stakeholders Consultation Process The stakeholder’s consultation process conducted by the Consulting team was done over a period of twenty days. However, there were limitations to the carrying out of stakeholder consultation meetings across the 13 Regions of Namibia due to spatial and temporal constrains and variations impeding effective

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report coordination of regional stakeholders. It is thus important to indicate that regional stakeholder’s input for the SESA is based on the available stakeholders in the region when the stakeholders meeting was held. All stakeholders were invited through the Office of the Regional Council and Regional Water Supply and Sanitation Office. In some cases, however some stakeholders were having other meetings and or commitments.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

9. CHAPTER NINE: ESMF PLAN

This Chapter is presenting highlights of the ESMF development and implementation. A separate full report, the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) was prepared as guiding framework for the implementation of NWSSP sub-projects. The section is giving a brief of identified measures to prevent, minimize, mitigate or compensate adverse impacts resulted from the implementation of NWSSP. Detailed execution of the mitigation management plan is explained in the ESMF Report.

9.1. Environmental and Social Management Framework The overall objective of ESMF is to ensure that the implementation of the NWSSP is being carried out in an environmental and socially sustainable manner. The ESMF will provide a framework to enable the Government to screen sub-projects and institution measures to address adverse environmental and social impacts associated with NWSSP. The ESMF outline remedial measures and preventative and control strategies for potential negative environmental and social impacts due to proposed program activities; measures to address the AfDB Operational Safeguard on Environmental and Social Assessment (The Bank’s OS 1); and actions to improve positive impacts of the program.

The specific objectives of the ESMF include: i. Establishing clear procedures and methodologies for the environmental and social assessment, review, approval and implementation of subprojects to be financed under the program. ii. Specifying appropriate roles and responsibilities and outlining the necessary reporting procedures for managing and monitoring environmental and social risks related to subprojects. iii. Determining the training, capacity building and technical assistance needed to successfully implement the provisions of the ESMF. iv. Establishing project funding required implementing the ESMF requirements. v. Providing lessons learned for application to future programs.

9.2. Implementation of the ESMF

Implementing agencies are responsible for the implementation of the ESMF and they have to satisfy the needs of the Bank’s OS1 and the supporting OS 2-5 during the implementation of the framework. The institutional structures and mechanisms to implement the NWSSP ESMF need to be accommodated as an integrated part of their arrangements. They will also be required at national, regional, constituency and local levels. The ESMF describes key institutional, requirements, structures and responsibilities. The ESMF will be guiding tool in the management of al environmental and social related issues associated with implementation of NWSSP.

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report

The roles of all the key institutions involved in the implementation of NWSSP are detailed in the report. This is essential for monitoring and ensuring compliance and commitment to the management of both the environment and social issues.

9.2.1. Monitoring of environmental and social issues The main objective of monitoring during program implementation is to ensure that the identified negative impacts and their mitigation measures are implemented by responsible organisations. Monitoring will act as a check balance between environment and development i.e. to determine whether the mitigation measures have been successful in such a way that the pre- program environmental and social condition have been restored, improved upon or worse than before and to determine what further mitigation measures may be required. The responsibility of monitoring and evaluation of the mitigation measures is assigned at two different levels i.e. the local and national level.

9.3. Accountability and Grievance Redress Mechanisms 9.3.1. Grievance Redress Mechanisms The Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) will provide a way to provide an effective avenue for expressing concerns and achieving remedies for communities. Social accountability will need to be strengthened through the effective GRM. The GRM is to ensure that complaints are directed and expeditiously addressed by the relevant agencies which are to enhance responsiveness and accountability. It is proposed that a Grievance Redress Panel (GRP) be set up at central and constituency levels. Its functions should include:

• Redressing grievances of project affected persons (PAPs) in all respects; • Rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) assistance and related activities; • Dealing with or hearing issues related to R&R and individual grievances; • Giving its decision/verdict within 30 days after hearing the aggrieved PAPs; • The final verdict of the GRP will be given by the Chairperson/Head of GRP in consultation with other members of the GRP and will be binding on all other members. • A grievance record file will be maintained in the GRP where all written and oral grievances will be filed and recorded. • The GRP will need its own by-laws.

9.3.2. Sub-Project-level Grievance Redress Mechanisms

Each sub-project will be required to establish a project-level Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) at the start of implementation. The full details of these GRMs will be agreed upon during the assessments

SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report completed for each project. Interested and affected stakeholders may raise a grievance at any time to the authorities. Councilors and traditional authority should facilitate communities/individuals to identify and articulate grievances at the local level and the tabling of issues with the Constituency-level GRP, chaired by the Chief Constituency Officer. Other members of the GRP should include constituency and regional-level representatives from government line agencies, and others as appropriate. 9.3.3. Accountability Mechanisms AfDB recognize that even with strong planning and stakeholder engagement, unanticipated issues can still arise. Therefore, the ISSs are underpinned by an accountability mechanism outlined below: • Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) that ensures individuals, peoples, and communities affected by projects have access to appropriate grievance resolution procedures for hearing and addressing project-related complaints and disputes. The aim of IRM is to provide people adversely affected by a project financed by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), with an independent mechanism through which they can request the AfDB to comply with its own policies and procedures. The IRM intervenes when affected people or communities submit a complaint. In this way, the IRM can be considered as a recourse instrument for project affected people who have previously been unable to resolve their problems with the AfDB's Management. The Independent Review Mechanism helps project- affected stakeholders, AfDB partners (governments, NGOs, businesses) and others jointly address grievances or disputes related to the social and/or environmental impacts of AfDB-supported projects. 9.4. Mitigation measures for identified impacts This section presents the management action plans or measures that will be used to develop appropriate measures to mitigate identified impacts ensuring that the implementation of the NWSSP sub-projects is environmental and social considerate through the development of ESMPs for sub-projects. The aim of ESMP is to ensure that impacts stemming from the sub-project activities are managed to acceptable environmental and social levels. These acceptable levels are achieved through negative impact avoidance, where possible. Where impacts cannot be avoided, they need to be minimised. In cases where impacts cannot be avoided or minimised then the impacts need to be managed by providing mitigation measures and ensure the implementation of these mitigation measures in order to reduce the impacts' significance.

Figure 10: Mitigation measures of the identified impacts Impacts Mitigation/management measures Cost Environmental impacts Vegetation loss - Minimise size of project area, Pipeline RoW and other water infrastructure construction should avoid areas with trees, replant trees. Vehicular Traffic Safety - Visible construction notices, barricate construction sites, drive at slowly (40km/hour or less). Noise and vibrations - No construcution activities at night, communicate schedule of works, - Use of modern, well maintained equipment fitted with abatement devices

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Dust impact (air quality) - Water dust sources, avoid dusty operation during windy days Health and safety - Portable fire extinguishers should be provided on site, first aid at work, train workers, prepare and implement health and safety plan Land disturbances, (pollution of - Regular monitoring, localise construction activities, handle oils and lubricants soils and water) carefully in conytainers. Waste generation - Temporary site waste collection, management, safe disposal, limit resources use, recyle waste. Odour - Timing of operations. Biological impacts Biodiversity - (loss, - Careful siting/route selection for all project components fragmentation and degradation - Establishment of buffer zones around conservation areas of habitat, and severance of - Rehabilitation of cleared areas with native species, and ecosystem animal migration routes and restoration pathways) Loss of plant species and - Selective removal of tree species, minimise tree removal. habitats of conservation interest. Biodiversity - (loss, - Careful planning of phasing and timing of construction activities. fragmentation and degradation - Demarcation and avoidance of areas of conservation interest (high value of habitat, and severance of species, feeding or breeding sites, migration routes, etc.) where possible, and animal migration routes and wildlife rescue and translocation where appropriate, under expert supervision. pathways) - If loss of Critical Habitat is inevitable, development/implementation of an Offsets Programme.

Social Impacts Damage to or intruding of - Careful site selection and siting of all project components, avoiding private or public properties occupation of areas which are inhabited or regarded as of high value by communities (e.g. horticulture, community orchards). Spread of HIVand STIs - Engaged workers in health talks and trainings on the dangers of unprotected sexual - Provision of condoms and sex education through distribution of pamphlets. Cultural Heritage - Careful site selection and siting of all project components, taking account of community consultation/specialist surveys. - Development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan Community Safety, Health and - Good construction site “housekeeping” and management procedures security (including site access). - Risk assessments and emergency response planning to consider impacts on local communities Loss of assets or access to assets - Appropriate land acquisition using the Resettlement Policy Framework. including farmlands

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Physical and Property - Careful site selection and siting of all project components, displacement, Assets and - Early development and sensitive implementation of resettlement planning, Resources - Identify why specific groups are not benefiting from the project and develop corrective/compensation measures for affected parties - Create a water user organisation to effectively manage water resources and ensure equitable access among users. Loss of income sources, and or - Integrate new infrastrucutre with existing activities, empower communities means of livelihood with new water intitiatives to replace the lost opportunities.

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10. CHAPTER TEN: INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AND STRENGTHENING PLAN 10.1. Introduction The success of NWSSP program depends on the capacity of the implementing agencies to manage the program. The ability of the implementing agencies to manage the program depends on the systems in place that support the implementation, if systems are absent, there is need to create the systems through institutional capacity building and strengthening. Establishment of institutional capacities is essential so that training needs can be determined to address grey areas. As part of the Capacity Building Program, the training plan for the implementing and resource organizations for the selected areas under the project scope will focus on: • Enhancing capacity of the sector institutions (MAWF, DWAF, NamWater and City of Windhoek). • Inter-sector coordination, especially between line sectors (environment, health, water supply and sanitation, nutrition, education, local economy and local government’s authorities • Support to M & E and Information Systems and accountability frameworks to track progress • Preparation of studies for Phase II of the sub-projects. • Decentralization and strengthening local level management for implementing agencies • Community sensitization and mobilization including formation and training water committees, review and update of the CBM, updating of the IWRM plan, development of the country wide water master plan, mainstreaming Gender, Environment, Climate Change & Cross Cuttings Issues, • Support to Environmental Department to enhance its capacity for monitoring environmental and social issues during and beyond project implementation, Operationalising Water Resources Monitoring Network, • Training of national, and municipal staff in sector investment framework, water resources, sanitation and environmental health operationalization of gender guidelines on Water sector • Skills training and empowerment of women and youth • Provision of technical assistance for design, supervision and program implementation in accordance with good project management practices, program auditing, project mid-term review; Program M&E and Reporting (including baseline and end-line), Program Implementation Manual. 10.2. Stakeholder consultation National stakeholder consultation assessed the capacity of different institutions responsible for the implementation of the NWSSP sub-projects; directly or indirectly involved. Secondary assessment of institutional capacities using existing literature supported by field consultations revealed the prodigious need for various training programs to improve the implementation of NWSSP programs particularly on the issues of environmental management. MAWF will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the SESA under the NWSSP in collaboration with other two implementing agencies; NamWater and CoW. National stakeholder consultation exhibited that MAWF and NamWater have structures at national and regional. On the

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SESA Draft 1 Report: Namibia Water Sector Support Program (NWSSP): Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report implementation of the SESA and ESMF, the main implementing agency; MAWF need support from the Ministry of Environment or they hire environmental expertise to supplement their staff. NamWater has environmental affairs department which can handle the implementation of both SESA and ESMF. However, training of NamWater staff at regional and local levels is crucial since the implementation of bulk water supply sub-projects is done in several places across the country. This is because the environmental department at NamWater is centralized. There is need to decentralize the department for the implementation of the program; temporary or permanent.

Training needs will be assessed and reviewed regularly based on the performance of the staff and the program needs. Trainings that address specific capacity gaps necessary for implementation will be implemented on a timely basis to meet the needs. Below is training needs list that different stakeholders recommended during national stakeholder consultations: 1) Training on environmental framework of Namibia to ensure compliance and monitoring 2) Training on implementation of Environmental Management Plans (EMP) of the NWSSP sub- projects implementing agencies. 3) Disaster management training. Maybe in case of droughts. 4) Continuous trainings for Water Point Committee members (mostly for new members) on water management, administration and technical aspects of the water schemes. Skills development training in the water sector or water management in integrating social, economic, environment factors. 5) Training on sensitization of the community members on the importance of hand washing facilities in reducing waterborne related diseases. 6) Climate change mitigation and resilient trainings and workshops 7) Environmental management trainings of the community members/beneficiaries and the local leaders on the environmental management and protection. This was suggested to include trainings / workshops / information sharing platforms to create awareness and understanding of the EIA processes and the implementation of the EMPs. 8) Social management trainings / workshops for the implementing agencies officers that are directly involved in the NWSSP. In addition, social assessments are recommended for local leadership and the community members to better understand how they could management risks and anticipated impacts: 9) Trainings on testing water quality to determine the suitability of drinking water from the river / boreholes. 10) NWSSP implementing agencies at regional level (MAWF) personnel’s need trainings on project management, project financing and project monitoring and evaluation to make sure that the NWSSP is implemented affectively. 11) Community members / beneficially need to be trained to use water resources for income generating projects such as community gardens or small-scale irrigation activities. 12) Sustainable used and management of water supply sources, mitigation socio-economic issues around the project. 13) Recommended the need for cooperation and communication platforms between Traditional Authority, Roads Authority, DWSSC and NamWater. To make sure that data/information is shared

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on where pipelines are laid or proposed to be laid to make sure that communities do not settle or encroach in the area years after the completion of the projects. 14) Water harvesting trainings

10.3. Strentherning institutional capacity of MAWF MAWF and its regional offices are the main implementing agency. It is very important that MAWF is readiness and prepared in terms of needs capacity of the NWSSP for the program to be sustainably implemented. Training needs at MAWF national office are not the same as for the regional officers; the training needs will be tailored and specific depending on their role in the implementation of NWSSP sub- project activities in their respective regions: 10.3.1. Training needs at MAWF National Office The role of MAWF National Office is to provide national oversight role in the implementation of NWSSP. They need to understand all the program elements, sub-components and sub-projects activities for effective implementation of NWSSP. They need to be strengthened on:

i. Administrative issues ii. Monitoring of the program at national level to ensure that the environment and communities are protected. iii. Procurement of all the program equipment iv. Enforcing compliance of contractors to specific sections of the SESA, ESMF and EIA/EMP requirements of a particular project. v. Environmental policies that govern the resource use in Namibia particularly water, soil, land.

The types of training needs for national officer include: 1) Environmental management and monitoring systems 2) Environmental and social awareness trainings 3) Legal responsibilities training 4) Project management and procurement training 10.3.2. Training needs at MAWF Regional level The regional MAWF officers will be responsible for working with various contractors during the implementation of several sub-projects in their regions performing day to day roles. They need to be strengthened on: i. Monitoring of sub-projects activities to ensure that the environment, communities are protected ii. Enforcing compliance of contractors to specific sections of the SESA, ESMF and EIA/EMP requirements of a project. iii. Environmental policies that govern the resource use in Namibia particularly water, soil, land.

The types of training needs for regional officers include:

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1. Environmental management and monitoring systems 2. Environmental and social awareness trainings 3. Sensitization trainings 4. Legal responsibilities training

10.4. Strentherning institutional capacity of NamWater NamWater highlighted the need to strengthen capacity in the following: i. Environmental and Social awareness to trainee artisans at NamWater Training center and to artisans in different regions anticipated to be working on NWSSP sub-projects. ii. Strengthening ESMP implementation at sub-projects level through training regional heads.

10.5. Execution of training activities The training activities in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment can be supported by MET or procures services from consultants. Procuring services improve the implementation of the SESA and ESMF. This will have to be done at the beginning of the program, before commencement of program/sub- projects activities start, so that the participants are ready in time to apply the knowledge during implementation of the project activities.

Trainings of MAWF officers on enforcing compliance of contractors to specific sections of the SESA, ESMF and EIA/EMP requirements of a particular project should be done by MET officials since they have the responsibility to enforce environmental compliance in the country or MAWF can ask services from a consultant. MET also have the practical knowledge and experience with different compliance techniques and regulating. The trainings may be conducted during the early stages of the construction activities to make sure that officers are equipped.

Training in Procurement, Project Planning and Implementation should be done before program activities starts in order to prepare the participants to use their knowledge during project implementation. The training should be done once during the project life. The procurement of the program services however can be done by Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN).

Water Resources Management and Sanitation Management; Procurement training would be facilitated internally by MAWF or the appropriate consultants appointed by MAWF can be engaged to carry out the training. These training activities should be conducted at the beginning of the operation phase, soon after construction activities.

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CONCLUSION Through consultations and expert analysis using relevant and existing plethora of literature of the program activities, the broad impacts associated with the NWSSP activities have been identified. To address the impacts through various mitigation measures, the ESMF is developed that will guide implementation of the program detailing the responsibilities of the implementing agencies on impact mitigation management. The framework will focus on how issues arise during implementation at various development program phases addressed using what mechanisms. It will also provide a platform of monitoring of the implementation from self-program monitoring to external monitoring by the lending institution, the Bank. The proposed project has potential to significantly improve water supply and sanitation in Namibia. This will positively impact smallholder agriculture in different regions. The programme operation will provide an opportunity of sustainable water supply in urban centres and rural areas such that the benefits are cross cutting. The environmental impacts that the programme sub-project activities will have are likely to cause include disturbance of soil from borehole drilling, pipeline trench excavation, small dams construction, reservoirs construction, land clearance, potential groundwater and surface water pollution, environmental quality (noise, dust) emission and social infiltration due to coming in of new people. During the operation phase of the NWSSP sub-projects it is imperative to note that there are cumulative impacts such as land use and rights issues, maintenance impacts, groundwater pollution from sanitation infrastructure, water abstraction impacts as well as other snowball impacts such as degradation of water points and settling of people within the vicinity of the pipeline to ease water access. These impacts will be exacerbated by inadequately trained MAWF, NamWater and City of Windhoek staff responsible for water supply, sanitation and environmental and social management. It is however imperative to note that it was a general consensus in all stakeholders’ meetings that the final benefits of this project are to the nation and will, by far outweigh potential negative effects because It is therefore recommended that: • Program ESMF should be complied and adhered to ensure that environmental and social issues raised in this SESA are addressed throughout the project implementation. • It is crucial to ensure that there is an appointed environmental consultant that oversees the implementation of the ESMF and the conducting of Sub-Project ES/ EISA/ ESMPs. • A social grievance addressing mechanism should be put in place for the project to ensure that there is not human rights abuse, societal disfranchisement and destabilization as a result of the project. • Specialist assessments such as socio-economic, fauna and flora, hydrology and catchment analysis, and archeological depending on sub-projects activities. • Reduction and control of noise levels to minimize any disruption to the living conditions of wildlife be strictly adhered to. • The land around sub-project works should be left intact and pollution be minimized. After construction rehabilitation and social integration is highly recommended. • Bush clearance should be confined to the absolutely necessary part, buffer strips be maintained and huge indigenous trees in the area should be preserved as much as possible. • All permits in relation to bush clearing, sand abstraction and protected trees removal should be obtained prior project implementation. • Sub-projects should have site specific waste management plans, method statements should have ESMF and ESMPs compliance sections and Health and Safety plans.

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• Contractors bill of quantities should have provision for ESMPs implementation • It is important that stakeholder organisations such as Ministry of Environment and Tourism Regional Councils, Traditional Authorities and other line ministries are consulted and kept informed of the implementation progress so that they can play their role. • Labour intensive methods should be encouraged as they benefit the local community in terms of job creation. For this the project should employ locals as much as possible to ensure that benefits remain in the area where development is taking place. • The use of destructive machinery should be avoided as much as possible. Machinery will adversely affect soils and undergrowth. • The recommended mitigation measures should be implemented to reduce significant environmental impacts. However, the ESMF will have an overarching framework on recommendations on programme sub-projects implementation. • Conclusively, the project will not have any apparent significant environmental impacts if the recommended mitigations are carried out.

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ANNEX 1: Stakeholder Consultation

Inception Meetings Minutes

PROJECT INCEPTION MEETING WITH MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND FORESTRY MINUTES Date: Friday, 23 August 2019 Venue: Room 134, DWAF, MWAF Time: 10:30-11:30

1. Welcoming Remarks by MAWF Welcome remarks by Ms. Amakali of the Inception Meeting. A brief background of NWSSP by MAWF was expanded and how the project should be delivered. She explained to the consultant that the Government of Namibia (GRN) through the Ministry of Finance (MoF) approached the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide them with a loan to combat the current drought situation in Namibia. The loan would be used to fund the construction of new and upgrading/rehabilitation of existing water infrastructures. As a requirement to get the loan, the AfDB has requested the GRN through the responsible government Ministry, i.e. MAWF to undertake a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) report. In addition to the reports, an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) should be prepared for the proposed water project areas. 2. (A) Introduction of NWSSP Team (Implementing Agencies) a) Ms. Maria Amakali, Director for Water Resources Management, MAWF b) Ms. Ndina Nashipili, Chief Hydrologist , Directorate Water Resources Management (DWRM), MAWF c) Mr. Victor Slinger, Acting Director Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination (DWSSC), MAWF d) Mr. Onni-Ndangi Iithete, NamWater representative (absent). NamWater direct person is still to be confirmed. e) Mr. David Adams, City of Windhoek representative (CoW) (absent)

(B) Introduction of Consultants by Ms. Martha Hangula

3. Brief of the Namibia Water Sector Support Program by MAWF Ms. Amakali provided the NWSSP Project List that was submitted to AfDB for funding; 4 components of the program: Bulk Water infrastructure; Wastewater infrastructure; Rural Water and Sanitation; and Cross cutting project: Capacity building. Ms. Amakali mentioned that the various projects are at different stages both in terms of planning and implementation. She further stated that she would share the contact details of all the implementing agencies' project representatives (NamWater & CoW) so that the Consultant could engage them directly. The implementing agencies are to share all the relevant documentations such as Project reports, feasibility studies, Master Plan, Environmental Impact Assessments Reports and the list of existing stakeholders (affected & interested parties). There is need for site visits and consultations.

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4. MAWF guidelines on ECC and Environmental Clearance Certificate ● Mr. Kasinganeti stated that AfDB has provided ESS Guidelines, thus would like to know if MAWF has specific ESS guidelines or consultant is to follow the Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2007 and its 2012 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations by MET.

● Mr. Slinger explained that the MAWF has to comply with EMA Act 7 of 2007. However, before the MAWF was exempted from the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) by the Environmental Commissioner as these projects were planned before the EMA. Hence the NWSSP will be guided by the EMA ECC processes as established.

● Mr. Kasinganeti stated that it will be important to consult MET DEA to make sure that the Reports comply with MET. New projects (on a site-specific level) may require ECCs.

● Ms. Amakali stated that with the limited time the focus should be on making sure the reports are delivered on time and then for submission of ECC applications to MET after.

5. Outline on Deliverables ● Ms. Hangula stated as per the ToR that the following deliverables are expected: Inception Report, Scoping Report; Environmental and Social Management Plan; and SESA/ ESMF.

● Ms. Nashipili asked about the expected date of the Inception Report. As per the ToR the Inception Report is due on 30 August 2019. The Inception Report will be sent a day before to allow time for review and comments. A presentation will be given on the 02 September 2019. Project contact persons from the Implementing agencies will be invited.

● The project timeline shall be outlined in the Inception Report.

6. Data and Information: Climate change, GIS, WASH, Rural Water Supply Project contact persons will provide the necessary information and data needed by the Consultant.

7. Communication platforms ● Mr. Slinger is the direct contact and shall be copied in the communications in all communications with stakeholders.

● Mr. Slinger is to provide Niilo Kauriah contact details that he can also be copied in the communications. In addition, he shall provide all contacts for the DWSSC Regional Heads.

● Mr. Slinger advised the Team to inform the Regional Councils before going into the field to collect data. Mr. Kasinganeti will draft the generic Consultant Introduction Letter that the Consultancy can use when in communication with external institutions / stakeholders. The Consultancy Team is to provide the details of the letter.

● Ms. Amakali will facilitate the signing of the Consultant Introduction letter by MAWF Executive Director.

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8. A.O.B ● Mr. Slinger emphasized the need to have the reports reviewed and comments incorporated before the Final Reports can be submitted and signed off.

9. Way Forward a) The consulting team will engage NamWater and City of Windhoek to obtain the following information and coordination:

● Get the direct and correct details of the contact persons representing the respective agencies for communications purposes throughout the project.

● Obtaining existing project reports for studies already done e.g. feasibility studies, EIAs, Master Plans as well as the lists of existing stakeholders (affected & interested parties).

● Arranging for one-on-one meetings in the following week to provide the consultant with further information on the project sites. The meeting dates are proposed as follows:

o City of Windhoek (Wednesday 28 August 2019, Time: 10:00)

o NamWater: (Wednesday 28 August 2019, Time: 14h30)

b) The consultant to prepare an inception report by 28 August 2019. The report will need to be forwarded it to MAWF on Thursday, 29 August 2019 for review and familiarization before the presentation on Monday, 02 September 2019.

c) The inception report is envisaged to include the following information: Matters discussed in the inception meeting; List of project sites/areas; Project planning and execution/implementation methodology with clear timelines assigned to each project task; List of project deliverables as per the requirements of the ToR, etc.

10. Closing remarks Ms. Amakali stated that they are looking forward to a good product and wishing the Team best wishes. She welcomed the Team that they are available and willing to help in coordinating the processes. Ms. Amakali was pleased to see a young Consultancy Team. The meeting was adjourned at 11h30.

PROJECT INCEPTION MEETING WITH CITY OF WINDHOEK MINUTES Date: Wednesday, 28 August 2019 Venue: City of Windhoek's Department of Infrastructure, Water & Technical Services Boardroom, Windhoek North Time: 10:00-11:00

Welcoming Remarks by City of Windhoek

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Mr. Adams welcomed the Consulting Team to the Inception Meeting for the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report/Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) Reports as per the project's Term of Reference (ToR). Introductions of Meeting Attendees Mr. David Adams, Acting Chief Engineer for Planning & Infrastructure Development in the Department of Infrastructure, Water & Technical Services, City of Windhoek (CoW). Consultants Team (Mr. Kasinganeti; Ms. Hangula; Ms. Shagama; Mr. Zvobgo).

Brief Presentation of the Agenda Mr. Kasinganeti presented the main reason of the meeting was an information gathering from the CoW regarding the project to be covered in the SESA study. He also mentioned that the meeting outcomes will form part of the Inception Report that will be submitted to all implementing agencies and the AfDB. The information required by the consulting team from the CoW included the following: What exactly will be done by the CoW in terms of the proposed project of the wastewater treatment and reclamation Plant? Size of the project to be implemented and where it would be located Feasibility studies done and reports compiled. Possibility of change in land use and subsequent relocation of people, etc

1. Meeting Matters In response to the agenda presented by Mr. Kasinganeti, the following matters were presented by Mr. Adams: ● Mr. Adams informed the Consulting Team that the project was identified by the Cabinet Committee on Water Supply Security (CCWSS) with regards to water shortage. However, there has not been any project done yet as the CoW supposed to conduct a pilot study. There is no specific site selected for this project and no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) done.

● There is no feasibility study pending a pilot project. The Plant is meant to be integrated into another project, which is the proposed upgrading of the existing Gammas Sewage Treatment Plant. The project was supposed to take off, but was put on hold because of funding issues. The project preparation/planning information and EIAs done for it are available.

● The CoW was planning to start with the pilot studies, thus only the scope of works for the Pilot Plant is available. There is no project preparation for the proposed project (Plant).

● CoW will investigate the alternative feeding sources to the proposed Plant.

The Consulting Team requested for the following information from the CoW: ● Information on the existing Gammas Wastewater Treatment Plant: challenges, gaps, possibilities, etc.

● List of project alternatives of the Plant to be used for the SESA. This will guide the Consultant and make appropriate recommendations.

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Background on Gammas Project by Mr. Adams The Gammas Project was supposed to start end of 2018. It was identified by the Namibian-German intergovernmental agreements. When the CoW was at the point of implementing the project, they were informed by the Ministry of Finance that as a local authority, the CoW is not allowed to take international funding, and therefore this had to be done by the Government of Namibia line ministry (Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry). It was supposed to be funded by the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and there are still ongoing negotiations between Namibian government (DBN) and the German government. Further information Mr. Adams also indicated that there has been a consultant appointed for the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) of the entire city of Windhoek. This was finalized earlier this year (2019) and can be accessed through the Health and Environment Services Division of the CoW. The Consulting Team hopes that the SEIA was inclusive of the water projects as it would be more helpful to the SESA. However, this would still be a great start for the SESA's baseline.

Capacity building issue: Mr. Zvobgo asked Mr. Adams on the capacity building issue mentioned in the project's ToR, if the CoW would require training for manpower (CoW team) or some sort of framework. Mr. Adams explained that when they get funding from Technical Committee of Experts (TCE) of the CCWSS), they will appoint a consultant for project preparation. The CoW will only do the contract administration component. The actual project will be a "Built Operate and Transfer" by an international expert because they do not have an expert for this kind of project in Namibia. In terms of support, CoW will also appoint an international professional in reclamations (external). 2. Access to Data and Information The contact person for existing environmental assessment related information at the CoW will be Ms. Grazy Tshipo at the Health and Environment Services Division. She will be able to provide the Consulting Team information on EIAs done for the whole of Windhoek. This will help the Consulting Team with the area baseline for the SESA. Given the sensitivity of the Gammas project, further information on the available project planning such as the pilot study and the Gammas Wastewater Treatment Plant can be obtained from the CoW, by submitting a formal request to access the information through the MAWF. The request should clearly outline specific data/information to be provided to the Consultant.

3. Way Forward a) The Consulting Team needs to get an information request signed letter from MAWF and/or request Mr. Slinger to send a formal request to the CoW for them to release available planning information to the Consultants.

b) Mr. Adams is to share a list of project alternatives for the Plants with the Consulting Team.

c) Upon obtaining the information access/provision letter from MAWF, the consulting team will need to get existing project EIA reports done for Windhoek from the CoW Health and Environment Division.

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d) The Consultant is to prepare an Inception Report which will need to be submitted to MAWF on Thursday, 29 August 2019 for review and familiarization before the presentation on Monday, 02 September 2019.

4. Closing remarks Mr. Adams closed the meeting and thanked the Consulting Team for making time to meet with him. The meeting was adjourned at 11h00.

PROJECT INCEPTION MEETING MINUTES WITH NAMWATER

Date: Wednesday, 28 August 2019 Venue: Room 510, NamWater Head Office, 176 Isco St, Northern Industrial Area, Windhoek Time: 14:30-15:50

1. Welcoming Remarks by NamWater

Mr. Iithete welcomed everyone to the Inception Meeting for the NWSSP of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF). He mentioned that Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) are aware that the Government of Namibia (GRN) has gone out to source funding for the water sector projects (as provided) that are foreseeable in the near future. He understands that there has been a Consultant (which was the Consultant team present) appointed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in coordination with the MAWF to prepare a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) Report/Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) Reports as per the Term of Reference (ToR). 2. Introductions of Meeting Attendees (NamWater Representative and Consulting Team / Consultant)

3. Brief Presentation of the Agenda

The meeting agenda was distributed to all in attendance to have an idea of the main meeting points. Mr. Kasinganeti explained that the purpose of the meeting was to kick start the project with NamWater as one of the project's implementing agencies. The primary purpose was to get information on NamWater projects listed as part of the NWSSP for the proposed SESA. The meeting outcome would also be vital to the compilation of the project's Inception Report will be submitted to the agencies and AfDB. The information required by the consulting team from NamWater included the following: a) What has been and will be done by NamWater in terms of water projects listed.

b) Feasibility studies conducted and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports compiled.

c) Contact persons for their regional offices.

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Note: The Consulting Team highlighted that the stakeholders' engagement referred to in this project is not a public consultation as it is done for the normal EIAs that are site specific. This engagement is a focus group type of meetings at a regional level with key stakeholders (regional councils, constituency councilors and local/traditional authorities).

4. Meeting Matters

Mr. Iithete explained that NamWater was already in the process to put some of the projects out on tender for EIAs. Some of the projects listed are at different stages of planning and/or implementation. NamWater was then informed that the GRN is making provisions to get these projects funded and are now scrambling to make sure that they are also responding to the needs on the ground. Mr. Iithete also added that the Oshakati and Rundu projects are almost ready to be put out on tender and were planned to be funded by NamWater (internally). In addition to the points above and response to the agenda presented, the following matters were discussed according to specific projects relevant to NamWater: a) Abenab Borehole Development: The idea is to have few boreholes drilled at the Abenab Mine and pump testing done in order to supply water to the central areas (Windhoek, Okahandja and surroundings) through the Eastern National Water Carrier (ENWC). There is a need to have a stop gap measure (immediate water source) to the central while long-terms sources are being investigated and implemented. The plan is to abstract 12 million cubic meters per year for 3 years and then let the aquifer to recover for 12 years. There is a major concern for the farmers on the infrastructure development. What is available in terms of project area information is as follows:

o Preliminary designs (a site specific EIA to be done)

o There has been three EIAs done in the past and there might be some very old reports but not a lot of work has been done on site. No up-to-date information/reports.

b) Oshakati Purification Plant - the plan is to expand the Plant due to the (small) capacity. No EIA has been done and no preliminary design is available yet. The following information is available:

o The ToR of the project has been compiled but not yet completed (draft stage). NamWater will need to do a due diligence to see what information can be shared with the Consulting Team from the ToR. This needs to be done because the draft ToR is a procurement property and cannot be shared with the public as it is before the tender is advertised.

o Draft planning report.

c) Omdel - Wlotzkasbaken - planned pipeline replacement. There is no EIA done and there is no knowledge of preliminary designs. The following information is available:

o Utmost a planning report.

o Wlotzkasbaken - Swakopmund pipeline (completed project) - there is very short EIA in a form of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that was done internally by NamWater. This will be useful to provide a baseline for the project

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area/environment because the pipeline forms part of the Omdel- Wlotzkasbaken.

Side note by Mr. du Plessis: The Consulting Team should try not to pre-empt what is supposed to be covered in the site specific issues. d) Rundu Scheme Extension - the plan is to supply treated water to Rundu from the Okavango River. The following information is available:

o Compilation of ToR for the appointment of the consultant to do preliminary designs is in progress.

o The planning report.

e) Ohangwena II Well field: In terms of EIAs, It was part of the study to bring water to the Central Areas of Namibia where they looked at the Okavango River and to increase security of supply to the northern regions. The Ohangwena aquifer was earmarked as a source of water security to the northern areas. The EIA for Okavango River was paid for by GRN but it was never completed. The following information is available:

o Planning report is under way. However, the status of the report is not known. Mr. du Plessis will find out from the Departmental Heads to see if the report can be shared with the Consulting Team in the current status.

Contacts for NamWater's regional (operational) offices NamWater will coordinate the communications with their respective contacts in the regions. All the engagements will be handled centrally (NamWater Head Office in Windhoek). In other words, communications will be made with NamWater's head office who will then inform their team at operational offices in the regions. Additional information The following crucial information has been added and needs to be taken into consideration: ● NamWater will provide a contact person for the project reporting and make arrangements on who from their organization will be available for the project presentations (reporting back meetings).

● The consulting team to include Mr. Hanjörg Drews in the communications.

● Mr. du Plessis to provide stakeholders that may be relevant to the project.

● The NamWater’s GIS personnel to provide information on the projects when required. Requests to be done through Mr. Iithete and Mr. du Plessis.

Heads up on anticipated water issue (Abenab project): When it is time to implement the Abenab project, NamWater foresee that this will be a difficult project because it is the farming area around the Mine. The farmers use the water for irrigation and may have serious issues with water taken from "their" area to elsewhere. Anticipated socio-economic issues are:

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● Compensation of people (for taking "their" water)

● Water tariffs, security of supply and quality, etc.

● If the infrastructure worth a couple of hundreds of millions is on the ground for a 3 years operations as recommended in the groundwater modelling reports, this might be a major concern for the farmers. They probably would be concerned if they could use the infrastructure during the aquifer recovery period or not? This would be a major concerns and this issue will need to receive proper attention.

Consideration was given to reach out to the farmers in the area through the Namibia Agricultural Union or the local farmers association. However, given the sensitivity of the project and scope of the SESA, the project might create a bad reaction from these farmers in the SESA process before the site specific EIA by NamWater. It is then advertised that the Consulting Team avoid the advertising of the regional stakeholders meetings in the media (as the public is not the targeted audience for the meeting). Instead the consulting team should just communicate directly with the relevant key stakeholders and send out meeting invitations. The reason for the advice not to advertise in the media is because the farmers will not understand nor see SESA in the adverts, but "EIA" and this might be put the whole SESA out of proportion and lead to complications of the (SESA) project.

5. Way Forward

a) The Consulting Team to prepare a list of specific (project) information they require from NamWater. This will depend on what information can be shared (for instance, unpublished ToRs cannot be fully shared as they are).

b) NamWater to provide a contact person for project reporting.

c) The Consultant is busy with the compilation of the inception report by 29 August 2019. The report will be forwarded to MAWF on Friday, 30 August 2019 for review and familiarization before the presentation on Monday, 02 September 2019. MAWF would be responsible for circulating the inception report to the other implementing agencies, i.e. City of Windhoek and NamWater for further comments.

d) With regards to the Scoping Report according to AfDB is not a typical environmental scoping report but a project scoping report (document). The report will be compiled and shared with NamWater for comments. Once the SESA report has been compiled, it will also be shared for comments. Not only the SESA report will be shared but the ESMF too, which is more like a management plan.

6. Closing remarks

Mr. du Plessis is looking forward to the end product of the project. He emphasized on the Consulting Team not to pre-empt what should be included in project specific EIAs. Mr. Iithete wished the consulting team all the best with the project, thanked the Consulting Team for making time to meet with them and closed the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 15h50.

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1. National Stakeholder Consultation Meeting Attendance Registers for the 13 Regions.

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2. Stakeholder Consultations Meeting Minutes

ERONGO REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR NAMIBIA WATER SUPPORT SECTOR PROGRAMME (NWSSP) STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (SESA) STUDY / ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF)

KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION Date: 08 October 2019 (11h00) Venue: Forestry Office Boardroom, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), Walvis Bay, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was poor. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders who attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Ignatius Sikongo from Kuiseb River Basin Management-MAWF 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table1: Key Issues discussed.

No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. What is the SESA exercise exactly looking for? 2. The total anticipated 500 sanitation facilities are too little for Erongo Region. We have sanitation crisis in Erongo Region. 3. What is the status for the Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken pipeline? 4. How does it affect the communities, settlement and towns? What are the on ground considerations? 5. Water is expensive for the community members and some of the households have water cut offs for years. The people are dependent on the Nara harvesting mostly. The water is pumped from the Kuiseb River. The GRN has given them a borehole; there is need for additional boreholes at least 2 more boreholes. In the parks: where are the animals getting water: southern part of Kuiseb there are fresh water boreholes. It is not like Etosha National Park, there are not many games. Wild animals are more in the delta area and these are for instance jackals and hyenas. Along the way you have poor communities and growth centres have high water demands. The communities have been there for longer times.

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 6. How much can you permit to withdraw: and who pays for that? Should be people’s communities be pushed for the growth. Should the City of Windhoek allowed to grow and who pays for the water. The infrastructure is from rate & taxes of tax payers. Should Walvis Bay residents pay for the Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken pipeline replacement? Everyone wants development but where the growth should take place and who should drive it. Those communities do not get the benefit but pay the rate and taxes. If they take water from Karst area, next time farmers in the Karst area are paying. How is the funding of the resources? What if water is withheld in the Karst area where should development be happening bring water to Windhoek or develop other areas. Technical side of water supply and boreholes let us try to address the social and economic aspects. 7. What are the other Water Alternatives in Erongo Region? 8. Adhering to the Namibia Labour Act is needed. Norm to give 30 days' notices. Time to prepare themselves psychologically. Traditional leaders should be consulted as well in this development, to find other alternatives 9. In other Regions there are inventories of historical sites-cultural site. It is very important that these things are mapped out. Are there any mapped sites that are sensitive in terms of route?

Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

HARDAP REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- HARDAP REGION

Date: 07 October 2019 (09h30) Venue: Rural Water Supply Boardroom, MAWF, Mariental, Namibia Participants Twenty two stakeholders were invited. Attendance was good. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Carlo Cloete from Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination (DWSSC)-MAWF, Hardap Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table1: Key Issues discussed. No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. A demarcation of the Salt Block Area was explained.

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 2. Due to limited funds some water infrastructure projects could not proceed 3. The drought is putting extra pressure on the farmers. 4. Boreholes were drilled but the quality was very bad for human and livestock consumption.

5. There was assessment conducted on the Salt Block area. Check for the availability of that report. The water supply to Gibeon makes provision to water users along the water. NamWater supplies 6. Need to consider taking water from the Hardap Dam via Mariental to link pipeline to Gibeon instead of depending on boreholes only. Need for considering other water alternatives of Desalination vs. upgrading pipeline: cost studies are needed. 7. The water users are not present at the meeting. Need do conduct community consultation. 8. Need for water conservation measures for domestic and institutions. Need apply water demands management. 9. What are the land tenures in Hardap? Need for compensation. 10. The two Conservancies (Huibes Naub and Oskop) in Hardap, they have their own map settings as well as the cultural and heritage areas are demarcated. Sensitive areas need to be considered not to be impacted. The water shortage in the Conservancy is affecting the social lives of the communities. The animals are migrating from the Conservancies to private farms in search of water. Oskop Conservancy has windmills but there is need for solar powered boreholes. 11. Minimal damage on the ecological, Directorate of Scientific Services has information that can be provided. 12. Competition between humans, livestock and wildlife over water. Increasing human-wildlife conflicts over water resources. Need to make provision for dangerous wildlife e.g. Baboons. 13. National Heritage Council conducted an audit in the Region. A preliminary report is available. 14. Local authority has problems with MAWF giving approval for boreholes. Village council is operating a local authority. Lodges request for borehole permits. Need for coordinated monitoring of permits. 15. Challenges in terms of groundwater contamination. How are the construction of toilets different from the ones that already exist, will they pollute groundwater or not? Zoning maybe needed. 16. Open defecation is worse than long-drop as chances of contamination are higher. There is need to consider hand washing facilities as well. 17. There is a need to strengthen the WATSAN Forum in all the Regions as part of the National Sanitation Policy. Encouraged that the stakeholders meet regularly to discuss such issues. 18. Land use assessment conducted by the Regional Council. 19. Will the sanitation facilities be constructed in the areas that already include the sewage lines and water supply for hand wash services? 20. Need to address the drought mitigation strategies in the NWSSP? 21. There are different sanitation programme that exist: Harambee program; Regional Council, DWSSC. Who is the target? There is a high demand in the Region. There is need for assessment on sanitation in the Regions. 22. Are national parks benefiting from this NWSSP?

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 23. Waste management in the Region is a challenge 24. Water challenges in the urban informal settlements. Are there any water subsidies for the informal settlement (water affordability)? 25. Expertise need to be revisited at regional levels. 26. What is the monetary value for the NWSSP? 27. Project timeline? Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

KARAS REGION MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION-KARAS REGION

Date: 09 October 2019 (10h00) Venue: Rural Water Supply Office Boardroom, MAWF, Keetmanshoop, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was good. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Albertus Bezuidenhoudt from DWSSC- MAWF in Karas Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed Table 1: Key Issues discussed.

No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. How the specific areas of the Salt Block selected? We also have other areas with blackish water, are they included in this NWSSP or not? 2. Drilling boreholes is not resilient; it is more of short term strategies to water supply but not long term as borehole are not sustainable enough for the next 20 years. Positive impact but communities are afraid for water security for the future. If there is continuous drought, there is no water again. 3. It has been recommended for hydrological studies and water quality analysis. Water scientist should be proposed to work on the NWSSP. 4. Meeting like this, people make empty promises. What we said today let it be implemented. It should not be just another workshop or meeting. It all needs to be implemented. 5. We cannot guarantee the sustainability of the boreholes. There might be a possibility for pumping water for a longer distance, because of the quality of water and other water points. 6. The graveyards areas need to be considered in the EIAs processes.

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 7. The little fear on how long the GRN will be with us with the subsiding water. Will communities be required to pay more for water using the pipelines? Are we not going to be asked for payment for water? We hope the GRN will highly subsidise the water. 8. The issue of water cost has been raised, for communal and communities is subsided by government. The commercial farmers do not receive subsidence. 9. The maintenance of the water infrastructure needs to be taken into design considerations. If repairs and maintenance are not done, vandalism and theft occurs leading to water infrastructures becoming white elephants. 10. Are there interventions of the use of blackish water example the use of irrigation of home gardens?

Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

KAVANGO EAST REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- KAVANGO EAST REGION

Date: 17 October 2019 (08h30) Venue: Rural Water Supply Boardroom, MAWF, Rundu, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was good. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Ms. Morrister Katulo from DWSSC-MAWF, Kavango East Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed Table1: Key Issues discussed.

No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. How were the projects decided about? How did it go through to that stage if it is about the regional development and we did not discuss it? I first saw it on social media: Facebook/ WhatsApp. Did the information go through the Regional Council? Can we propose new sub projects for the Region? It is important to use the right communication platforms for developmental issues.

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 2. The Director of the MAWF-RWSC North Eastern Region (overseeing Kavango East, Kavango West & Zambezi Regions) was responsible in the identification of projects long time ago as a request from the MAWF head office for Regions to submit projects for funding. Some of the projects that were submitted are presented for proposed funding by AfDB. It is to note that the projects are at different stages e.g. some feasibility studies are completed, others no designs are made yet, whilst others need environmental management plans. As an example the Shamvhura - Shamangorwa – WSS has started already and there is a need upgrading, an amount of N$ 6milloin was transferred to NamWater for the River water scheme. The Rundu – Mukwe Water Supply Scheme funding will cover a 30km stretch. The MAWF got funding from other development partners to continue with the construction of the pipeline. The identified Mashivi to Mile10 is partly completed. In terms of long term plans the Mile20 pipeline is to be connected to NamWater scheme. For Divundu- Mbangani the water reservoir construction has been completed.

What is needed now from us, we need to identify the pipeline water off-takes points for the different villages. As for the sanitation facilities, all Regions there were identified for 1000 sanitation facilities to be constructed. However, due to funds only 500 were constructed thus this proposed funding by AfDB is to cater to the remaining 500 sanitation facilities in all Regions. Some of the Kavango East villages that benefited were Nyondo, Katiba, Makandu, Mpungu, and Dwaki among others. 3. Why is this SESA being discussed at a high level and not the actual communities that will be affected? Who were the stakeholders invited for the meeting? Recommendation that the Consultant does to the actual sites and consults the affected communities directly. 4. There is a need for designs, feasibility studies, fauna & flora surveys, and environmental impact assessments for the off-takes to the water points. As for projects were EIAs were conducted, there is need for Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). 5. It is very unfortunate that some damage was done in terms of communication and coordination. However, there is need to address the issues on decentralization of information. 6. The Kavango East Regional Council was disappointed to know such an important meeting was hosted at the MAWF office and not the Kavango East Regional Council offices. 7. Ensuring that development is coming to the people does not damage to the communities in terms of social and environmental. 8. There is need for the Environmental Consultants to share their EIAs and EMPs reports with the stakeholders and the community to make sure that all relevant interested and affected parties (I&APs) understand the management aspects. Feedback sessions from the Environmental consultants are recommended. 9. From experience, the time when the pipeline is constructed matters to the community. It is problematic during the ploughing or cultivation period of the mahangu/maize fields as that is the productive time of the year. 10. There is need for fauna and flora assessments. 11. Need to consult the Road Authority regarding dispute appraisals from the road diameter. 12. Community forests representatives should be consulted. 13. Water take-offs from pipeline should extend to communities and schools that are further inland.

14. Proposed treatments plant construction to get water from the Kavango River.

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 15. Recommendations for training and awareness on EIAs and EMPs for the traditional leaders and the community. 16. Continuous training for water point committee members on technical water infrastructure maintenance and water demand management. Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

KAVANGO WEST REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- KAVANGO WEST REGION

Date: 16 October 2019 (15h00) Venue: Kavango West Regional Council Office Boardroom, Nkurenkuru, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was good. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Ms. from Kavango East Regional Council 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed Table 1: Key Issues discussed.

No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. When and how the NWSSP projects were identifies? There is need for better coordination and communication between the Regional Council, DWSSC and MAWF head office. 2. Are these the first engagements you are having in the Regions? Are there follow up meetings after this consultative meeting? 3. 1. What were the criteria used to locate the 500 improved sanitation facilities per Region? Regions have different needs. 4. Rundu - Mururani WSS is shared between Kavango East and Kavango West.

5. There is need for continuous training and awareness platforms on water demand management, conflict management for water points committees, conservation agriculture. 6. Water pollution control measures need to be enforced as the sewage system leaks into the River. 7. Cultural sites, traditional heritage and grave yards need to be assessments vs. development of pipeline. 8. There are health risks as human and livestock are using the same water sources (e.g. river and boreholes).

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 9. There is need to improve long term sustainability of water projects, either there is no maintenance, high rate of vandalism etc. 10. There is need to create awareness about EIAs and EMPs to the traditional authority and the community members. 11. There is need for project monitoring and evaluation for the NWSSP. 12. Capacity building should be prioritised for GRN officials and NamWater officials that directly deal with the operation and management of the NWSSP. In addition, there is a need for the training of water point committee members on how to repair or maintain minor water infrastructures in cases where the DWSSC may take longer to reach the communities. 13. There is an increase in competition between communities and rural schools depending on limited water points. Regional Council needs to engage the Ministry of Education and MAWF on this matter. 14. There is a need to re-design water supply schemes to meet the water demand of the growing populations. 15. MAWF, Regional Council and other relevant stakeholders need to start thinking of the pipeline off-take points. 16. There is Community Forest in Kavango West that might be impacted after the implementation of the projects. With water points, new settlements may be established and this may lead to competing against the natural resources and forest resources in the Community Forests. 17. Social assessments need to be undertaken for sub-projects inclusive of the socio-economic impacts, HIV/AIDS infections and rates of teenage pregnancies. With establishment of water points, activities and development might boom along the pipelines. 18. Continuous capacity building to farmers and communities on climate smart agriculture, conservation agriculture and drought resistant livestock and crop production. Farmers need to understand that drought is no longer an emergency; they need to be prepared always. 19. Need for considering solar powered boreholes as diesel fuel is expensive for the communities. 20. Stakeholders are encouraged by MAWF representatives to become members of the Kavango West WATSAN Forum.

Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

OHANGWENA REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- OHANGWENA REGION

Date: 16 October 2019 (09h00) Venue: Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, Office Boardroom, Eenhana, Namibia Participants

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The SESA consultation meeting was incorporated within the Ohangwena Regional Council Development Meeting. Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was excellent. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Ms. Natalia Ndaitwa from Ohangwena Regional Council, Ohangwena Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. NamWater Presentation: Mr. Abraham Ashipala from NamWater 4. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table 1: Key Issues discussed. No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. The Wellfield needs to be addressed as the Aquifer it is best known in the Region as such. 2. The construction of the new deflouration plant is currently underway in Eenhana. 3. Ohangwena Region is experiencing extreme water scarcity with the adversely affected eastern part on the Region in Okongo, Oshikunde, Omundaungilo villages. There are limited funds available for water infrastructure. The people are tired as they have been waiting for water infrastructure since independence. 4. There is low water pressure being experienced in the Region, some villages, the taps are not running. NamWater and DWSSC are addressing this challenge. 5. There is a need for coordination on the allocation of land between NamWater, traditional authority, DWWSC, Road Authority and the Ministry of Land Reforms. This is to avoid communities building on top of water pipeline or close to the pipeline over the years. 6. There is a high rate of water infrastructure vandalism and theft.

7. The wildlife is supplied with water from the boreholes. There are however increasing cases of human-wildlife conflicts as animals migrate in search for water sources. The MET is planning to have more water points within the conservancies in the Region. 8. Water scarcity affects the youth with agricultural projects in Okongo. 9. The DWSSC has installed some boreholes with MET in the eastern part of the Region for domestic use. 10. The Ohangwena Regional Council though the MAWF has drilled and installed 5 boreholes for 5 schools in Okongo Constituency. 11. Can there be onsite treatment plants to treat the high fluoride content in the water?

12. Rain and flood water harvesting infrastructures need to be well assessed for long term sustainability. 13. Involvement of communities and ownership is important. We need to educate them. DWSSC is busy with private offtakes for individual households. The pipelines to individual household taps 14. Most of the farmers are rain-fed. Those engaged with horticulture, adaptive to drought to use the drip irrigation instead of flooding and trainings on conservation agriculture. There is continuous capacity building needs for the DAPPES staff members and the farmers.

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 15. There is need to consider the people living with disabilities and the vulnerable groups in such developmental plans. 16. Is the AfDB loan granted already? We expect that the GRN is to receive a loan in order to rescue the communities affected in the western part of Ohangwena. 17. There is a compensation plan that needs to be considered. 18. Effective communication is needed in firstly consulting the Regional Council office so that they inform the traditional authority/village council. 19. The urgency to start with implementation soonest because people are suffering. Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

OMAHEKE REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- OMAHEKE REGION

Date: 11 October 2019 (11h30) Venue: Rural Water Supply Office, MAWF, Gobabis, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was good. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Paul Kamuingona from DWSSC-MAWF, Omaheke Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table 1: Key Issues discussed. No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. Where are the exact locations for the boreholes to be drilled in the Otjombinde Constituency? 2. Feasibility studies, Designs and EIAs are still to be conducted at a later stage. 3. Funding is for planning and the social and environmental assessments.

4. It would have been better is the feasibility study outcomes was presented here. 5. The water sources is mainly from deep boreholes (more than 300m) using diesel fuel which is very expensive. The boreholes have low yields and the water quality is poor. 6. How will stakeholders/institutions regionally be involved in the NWSSP?

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 7. There is need for improved communication between regional institutions e.g. DWSSC, Regional Council and Communities in the projects timelines 8. Water uses in Otjombinde are for institutional sectors (schools, clinic); farmers (San communities and others); domestic uses; and for livestock. 9. There is need to address aging water infrastructure (leaks) and maintenance of water infrastructure. 10. Recommendation to consider piping water from private commercial farms. 11. Will the NWSSP projects start this year? 12. There is need to consider rain water harvesting infrastructure. 13. Three conservancies in Otjombinde Constituency, competition between water for livestock us and wildlife. 14. Recommendation for the constructing earth dams. 15. Land use planning needs to know the siting of the actual project planning. 16. There is need for consultation and sensitization of communities to avoid conflicts. 17. There is need to upgrade existing water supply schemes. 18. The San communities cannot afford to pay for water. How will they be provided with water? 19. Funds should be made available to make sure that community consultations are made before the implementation of the projects. 20. Social assessments need to be done before, during and after project implementation stages. 21. Proposed boreholes to be solar-powered to avoid theft and high diesel pricing cost to be covered by communities. 22. Some boreholes drilled by mining companies are decommissioned due to contamination. 23. High rate of theft and vandalism. Community based management is critical for ownership of water infrastructures. 24. Capacity needs for maintenance for water infrastructure. Step by step trainings on skills transfer. 25. Basin management committees and water point committee members should prioritized for trainings. 26. Communities need to be made aware on the impacts of climate change on their resources.

Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

OMUSATI REGION MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- OMUSATI REGION

Date: 15 October 2019 (10h00)

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Venue: Rural Water Supply Office Boardroom, MAWF, Outapi, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was poor. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Martin Petrus from DWSSC- MAWF in Omusati Region 2. NWSSP Background and purpose of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Discussions: The Meeting was called off due to the miscommunication of the meeting time. Nevertheless, the Consultant and DWSSC officials prepared SESA Questionnaires that were sent out to key stakeholders and returned to the DWSSC office at Outapi. The Questionnaires were then sent back to the consultant for incorporation into the project reports. 4. Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

OSHANA REGION MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- OSHANA REGION

Date: 14 October 2019 (15h00) Venue: Rochas Hotel & Restaurant, Oshakati, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was extremely poor. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Mathew Shitalatala from DWSSC- MAWF in Oshana Region 2. NWSSP Background and purpose of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Discussions: The Meeting was called off due to the poor attendance. Nevertheless, the Consultant and DWSSC officials prepared SESA Questionnaires that were sent out (circulated) to key stakeholders and returned to the DWSSC office at Oshakati who then forwarded the completed Questionnaires to the consultant for recording and incorporation into the project reports. 4. Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

OSHIKOTO REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP

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KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- OSHIKOTO REGION

Date: 14 October 2019 (09h00) Venue: Oshikoto Regional Office, Council Chamber, Omuthiya, Namibia Participants Thirty stakeholders were invited. Attendance was excellent. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Stevenson Tuukondjele from DWSSC-MAWF, Oshikoto Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table 1: Key Issues discussed. No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 2. Why is there Oshana Region in the Okankolo-Onkumbula WSS project? 3. How does Ohangwena East-Kavango West project affect Oshikoto? 4. What modality will be used to harvest rain water? 5. What is the sustainability of water from Ruacana?

6. Construction of sanitation facilities, will this be for rural only or both rural and urban areas? 7. For water sustainability it would be worth it to explore different sources of water supply, i.e. surface and groundwater. 8. Is there no way that the poor quality water on the southern side of the Oshikoto Region can be improved by desalination? 9. The possibility of enhancing portability by treating salty water to human consumption level 10. Can the illegal sand mining burrow pits be used as rain water harvesting dams? 11. Omuthiya Town Council and Drainage: Stormwater needs to be considered the diversion of rain water to a certain place to be used for human consumption (after treatment). This should also be done for human protection. 12. There is a need for capacity building (mostly youth) to maintain the project facilities/infrastructure. 13. Project Alternatives: -The upgrading of the earth dams in Okankolo (as a measure for drought adaptation measure). -The water allocation from Calueque to NamWater is 6m3/s. However, they only use 2m3/s. It is better to have a pipeline from Calueque than the canal. This is because a pipeline has low risks of drowning for animals and people, low risk of vandalism, low evaporation compared to an open canal. Furthermore, the canal is vulnerable to pollution from surface run offs. 14. Rural waste management awareness needs to be implemented. 15. How would you like the projects rolled out? 16. Project implementation should consider the grazing areas in order to avoid soil erosion

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 17. Communities should be informed on time for project specific Environmental Impact Assessments. 18. The government institutions should consider having water harvesting models, for example water for toilet flushing and pipe water for drinking. 19. MAWF should expedite to the Regions as national processes take time 20. Capacity building is required by all. Communities and leaders need to understand their infrastructures/projects Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

OTJOZONDJUPA REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- OTJOZONDJUPA REGION Date: 22 October 2019 (11h00) Venue: Otjozondjupa Regional Council Office Boardroom, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Participants Twenty two stakeholders were invited. However only four attended the meeting, i.e. attendance was poor. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Oscar Mulonda (Deputy Director)-MAWF, Otjozondjupa Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table 1: Key Issues discussed. No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. What are the current water sources? Water sources are mainly boreholes. Sustainability of water in the Region needs to be ensured. 2. Spring water can be utilized also, investment needs to be explored. 3. Looking at desalination option. However its entails a lot of technicality in terms of power demand 4. The Abenab borehole water should not only benefit out of Region communities but also the inhabitants of the Otjozondjupa Region. 5. Sanitation facilities in the Region needs to be improved and the existing facilities to blend in with the new facilities (of the NWSSP). 6. There is need to for earth dam excavation and boreholes rehabilitation

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 7. How will the proposed project affect the Region? • Conflicts between the water sources among farmers in the Region • Charcoal harvesting is noted to have a great impact on the depletion of ground water and water circulation, the cutting down of tree pose a major impact to livestock habitants as well as the possibility of contributing to climate change. • Great amount of Livestock loses because there is no grass to feed the animals • Employment opportunities • Conflict in landownership • The will be an increase in water demand due to the expansion of the town and growth requiring more water. Therefore, the project should consider this. • There is mostly commercial farmers in the Region • Community gardens structures are dilapidated and activities have stopped because of water scarcity in the Region. • Lack of basic maintenance for community garden equipment 8. Need for earth dam excavation in Ovitoto area and Kalkveld much more mountainous, the earth dams are needed 9. At least a quarter of the Abenab wellfield water should be allocated to the Region not just benefit to Windhoek (Khomas) and other central areas. 10. High water pricing is a concern and should be considered 11. Argumentation of water by taking water from the Okavango River to supply the entire central area 12. Capacity building is needed in the Region 13. Coordination between institutions and information sharing is lacking in the Region. 14. Experts are needed in the Region in order to assist with the rolling out of this project Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

NATIONAL / KHOMAS REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- NATIONAL (IN KHOMAS REGION) Date: 21 October 2019 (09h30) Venue: Namibia Scientific Society, Windhoek, Namibia Participants Seventy stakeholders were invited. Attendance was extremely poor. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Mr. Victor Slinger from DWSSC-MAWF Head Office in Khomas Region

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2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table 1: Key Issues discussed. No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. The sub-project details needed to be shared with the invitation letters. 2. Will the NWSSP project be running concurrently? 3. The need for Technical Assistance in GRN but it is not yet clear with other implementing agencies if Technical Committee will be established in running the NWSSP. 4. Clarification on the status of Khomas Region project by City of Windhoek 5. N$ 3.5 billion is budgeted for the first phase of NWSSP 6. Make use of the SEA in order to bridge the gaps between the two (SEA and SESA) 7. Consideration of capacity building with technical institutions (NamWater Training Centre and Vocational Training Centres) and the tertiary institutions such as NUST and UNAM for short term tailor made courses. 8. NamWater Training Centre in Okahandja should be consulted 9. Build capacity transfer (experts needed on the project)

Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

ZAMBEZI REGION

MEETING MINUTES: CONSULTATION FOR SESA STUDY / ESMF FOR NWSSP KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION- ZAMBEZI REGION Date: 17 October 2019 (15h00) Venue: MAWF Forestry Regional Office Conference Room, Katima Mulilo, Namibia Participants Twenty five stakeholders were invited. Attendance was poor. Please refer to the attendance register for specific details of the stakeholders who attended. Meeting Minutes 1. Introduction and welcoming: Ms. Getrude Ilukena from DWSSC, Zambezi Region 2. NWSSP Background and Presentation of the SESA activities: Consultant 3. Open Discussions and issues: Focus Group Discussions. Table 1 shows key issues discussed

Table 1: Key Issues discussed.

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No. Key Questions raised, comments and concerns 1. On the ground work, is it going to be MAWF and NamWater together? 2. Some of the communities are left out in terms of sanitation. Who should be the beneficial of these sanitation facilities? 3. There are contradictions between the construction of GRN free toilets and the Community-led Toilet Sanitation (CLTS). Who is to get the GRN free toilets and who is to undertake CLTS? Who are the target groups? There is need for clarity and understanding and integrating existing programs/projects. 4. The Regional Council had built sanitation facilities (toilets) for the households with elderly and people living with disabilities. However, due to cultural beliefs when the elderly passes on the toilets are not in use by the family members and rather used by community members. Now, there is need for the rehabilitation of these sanitation facilities. 5. What kinds of anticipated impacts are covered under "construction and operational activities"? 6. What are the current sources of water supply in the Region? 7. Are the communities being educated about climate resilient and drought adaptation? Is there a need to educate the communities in terms of agriculture for instance on capacity building? 8. DWSSC is lacking information on chemicals used by the communities to burn faeces to reduce the smell. 9. Are there any transboundary river water issues with the Zambezi River? 10. There is a concern of the water pollution in the Zambezi River from the River Houses/ Boat Houses. 11. Water points committees run on a volunteering basis. However, the community members are not fully committed to the Committees as they would rather be involved in activities that generate income. There is need to introduce some sort of incentives for the committee members. 12. The Zambezi Region Laboratory currently only conducts bacteriological water analysis. There is need for chemical water analysis of water quality. 13. There are earth dams in the Region. However, e.g. one of the earth dams is dilapidated and equipment stolen due to conflicts on the distribution of water. The earth dam area is in one constituency and the beneficiaries are in another constituency. 14. There is need for Flood water harvesting infrastructure in Zambezi Region. 15. Let us not leave out the handwashing facilities as the improved sanitations are constructed. There is need to sensitize the communities on the different alternatives for soap for handwashing.

Way forward: Consultant MEETING END

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7. Stakeholders Consultation Meeting Questionnaire Sample

NWSSP: SESA /ESMF STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE Name: Region:

Organization: Email: Designation: Telephone: Gender: Age:

1. What are your key priorities in the NWSSP? Domestic Water, Water for Irrigation, Livestock?

1. What are your expectations?

2. List problems associated with current water supply and sanitation in your area.

3. How is climate change affecting water supply and management in your area? How do you think the proposed project can address the climate change adaptation and resilience issues?

4. What requirements do you think that the pipeline project would require before implementation? (Land permits, legal requirements, traditional procedure, resettlement plants, flora/fauna relocation).

5. What will be the impact of the program activities to women, children and other vulnerable groups?

6. Do you have capacity to implement the NWSSP activities in terms of technical knowledge about Environmental and Social Management during construction and operation phases? Yes No 7. If NO do you think you need any special training or personnel to support Environmental, Technical & Social Management? Yes No If YES; what training programs do you think you need for capacity building?

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ANNEX 2: Professional Contributors

No Name Email address

1 Mr. Luckson Zvobgo Environmental Assessment [email protected] Practitioner

2 Mr. Tendai E. Kasinganeti Environmental Assessment [email protected] Practitioner

3 Ms. Martha L. Hangula Environmental Assessment [email protected] Practitioner

4 Ms. Fredrika N. Shagama Environmental Assessment [email protected] Practitioner

5 Ms. Kornelia N. Iipinge Environmental and Social [email protected] Researcher

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ANNEX 3: Baseline Data Protected Tree Species List

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Thematic Maps i. Locality ii. Temperature iii. Rainfall iv. Evaporation

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ANNEX 4: Bibliography

Angula, M. & Menjono, E., 2014. Gender, culture and climate change in rural Namibia. Angula, M. N. & Kaundjua, M. B. 2016. The changing climate and human vulnerability in North-Central Namibia. Jamba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies. 8(2): 1-7. Angula, M. N. 2010. Gender and climate change: Namibia case study. Heinrich Böll Stiftung. BirdLife. 2019. Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. Accessed on 14 September 2019. Retrieved from https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/programme-additional-info/important-bird- andbiodiversity-areas-ibas Burke, A., Esler, K.J., Pienaar, E. and Barnard, P., 2003. Species richness and floristic relationships between mesas and their surroundings in southern African Nama Karoo. Diversity and Distributions, 9(1), pp.43-53. City of Windhoek. 2015. Windhoek Drought Reponses Plan. Department of Infrastructure, Water and Technical Servicers. Windhoek, Namibia Couillard, C. 2015. Rural mothers in Namibia given access to quality maternal and newborn care. World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa. Accessed on 14 September 2019. Retrieved from https://www.afro.who.int/news/rural-mothers-namibia-given-access-quality-maternal-and- newborn-care Government of the Republic Namibia. 2013. Water Resource Management Act No 11 of 2013. No. 5367, December 19, 2013. Windhoek. Namibia Government of the Republic of Namibia. 2004. Promulgation of Water Resources Management Act, 2004 (Act No. 24 of2004) of the Parliament. No. 284. Windhoek, Namibia Government of the Republic of Namibia. 2013. National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2013- 2020. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Windhoek, Namibia Government of the Republic of Namibia. 2014. Namibia National Human Rights Action Plan: 2015-2019. Ombudsman Namibia. Windhoek, Namibia Government of the Republic of Namibia. 2015. Namibia Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Windhoek, Namibia Government of the Republic of Namibia. 2018. Status of the Namibian economy. Office of the Prime Minister. National Planning Commission Windhoek, Namibia Government of the Republic of Namibia. 2019. Harambee Prosperity Plan Progress Report of 2019. Office of the President. Windhoek, Namibia Humavindu, M. N, and Nghishidi, J. n.d. The Role of Participatory Processes in the Revision of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans: The Case of Namibia. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Windhoek, Namibia Kastner, P., Mchugh, J. M., St Martin, A., Kastner, P., & Mchugh, J. M. 2005. Assessing Prepay Water Metering in the Informal Settlements of Windhoek. Windhoek, Namibia. Legal Assistance Centre. 2017. Namibia Gender Analysis of 2017. Delegation of the European Union to Namibia. Windhoek, Namibia

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Lewis E.W., Staddon, C. & Sirunda, J. 2019. Urban water management challenges and achievements in Windhoek, Namibia. Water Practice and Technology. wpt2019055. International Water Association. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2010. Namibia’s Draft Fourth National Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Windhoek, Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2010. State of Protected Areas in Namibia: A review of progress and challenges. Directorate of Parks and Wildlife Management. Windhoek, Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2011. Namibia Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Windhoek, Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2012. Namibia’s Second National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of 2013 – 2022. Windhoek, Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2012. Regional Climate Change Information Toolkits. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Windhoek, Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2014. Namibia’s Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010-2014). Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Windhoek, Namibia Namibia Statistics Agency. 2012. Namibia 2011: Population & Housing Census Main Report. Windhoek, Namibia. Namibia Statistics Agency. 2013. Namibia - National Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2009- 2010. Windhoek, Namibia. Namibia Statistics Agency. 2014. Namibia Demographic and Health Survey of 2013. Ministry of Health and Social Services and ICF International. Windhoek, Namibia Namibia Statistics Agency.2019. Sustainable Development Goals Baseline Report of Namibia 2019. Windhoek, Namibia National Planning Commission. 2017. Fourth National Development Plan Terminal Report of April 2012 to March 2017. National Planning Commission. Windhoek, Namibia. National Planning Commission. 2018. Fifth National Development Plan Annual Report of 2018. National Planning Commission. Windhoek, Namibia. New Era. 2016. Cabinet water crisis committee swings into action. 21 July 2016. Accessed on 14 September 2019. Retrieved from https://neweralive.na/posts/cabinet-water-crisis-committee- swings-action Reid, H., Sahlén, L., Stage, J., MacGregor J. 2007. The economic impact of climate change in Namibia: How climate change will affect the contribution of Namibia’s natural resources to its economy. Environmental Economics Programme Discussion Paper 07-02. International Institute for Environment and Development. London, United Kingdom. Remmert, D. 2016. Water governance in Namibia: a tale of delayed implementation, policy shortfalls, and miscommunication. Democracy Report. Special Briefing Report No.13. Institute for Public Policy Research. Windhoek, Namibia Shapwanale, .N. 2016. New advisory council on water appointed. The Namibian Newspaper. 21 September 2016. Accessed on 14 September 2019. Retrieved from

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https://www.namibian.com.na/155918/archive-read/New-advisory-council--on-water- appointed Shaw, D. n.d. Biomes of Namibia. Poster. Namibia Nature Foundation. Windhoek, Namibia Shooya, O. M. 2017.Barriers and enablers to water access and community wellbeing in the Onesi constituency of Namibia: the case of Okalonga B and Onandjandja villages. MSc specializing in Climate Change and Sustainable Development. University of Cape Town, South Africa. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/27527 The Namibia Sun. 2016. Water crisis close Coca-Cola production lines. Accessed on 14 September 2019. Retrieved from https://www.namibiansun.com/news/water-crisis-close-coca-cola-production- lines/? United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - World Water Assessment Programme. 2006. World Water Development Report 2: Water, a Shared Responsibility. ISBN: 978-92-3- 104006-1. Oxford, United Kingdom Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council. 2004. Resource Pack on the Water and Sanitation. Millennium Development Goals. Geneva, Switzerland. Windhoek Observer. 2016. Water crisis: Coca-Cola cuts jobs. Accessed on 14 September 2019. Retrieved from https://www.observer.com.na/index.php/national/item/6178-water-crisis-coca-cola-cuts- jobs

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