| · Denver Kisting
It is inevitable that road construction activities will impact on the biophysical environment.
This was the finding of Turgis mining consultants. The company was contracted by Areva Resources Namibia to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) on the Trekkopje Road.
The report, released last week, states: “These impacts [on the environment] will principally be related to the loss of fauna and flora and the fragmentation of the desert habitat in the Erongo Region. In order for these predicted impacts not to remain permanent, the recommendation from a biophysical point of view is to remove the road on mine closure and rehabilitate the disturbance corridor to allow the habitat to return to its premining state.”
The report adds that the predicted water related impacts could be minimised by designing “an adequate number of culverts” into the alignment of the road.
According to the bulky report, “a certain level of human impact may be experienced at Arandis” as far as dust is concerned. “However, with the general prevailing wind, impacts should be minimal. The adequate supply of water remains a potential constraint to effective dust management.”
The compilers of the EIA found that a number of employment opportunities will arise during the construction phase of the road. However, these are only temporary jobs that will be created. Similarly, there are no longterm detrimental effects. “Overall, based on the conclusions and findings of this report, the construction and operation of the proposed access road does not pose any social impacts that are deemed irrever-sible, fatally flawed or severely detrimental to the social environment.” |
