New development planned south of Windhoek
YOLANDA NEL
WINDHOEK
A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday this week to discuss a new proposed development at Farm Gross Haigamas.
Developers Birdsong Properties are planning on developing a service station, a rural residential and nature estate, business erven and street portions on Portion 1 of the farm, which is located 30 km south of Windhoek on the B1, directly northeast of Omeya.
It is close to 78,8 hectares in size.
According to the Background Information Document (BID), Portion 1 is zoned as “rural residential” as per the stipulations of the Aris Town Planning Scheme, with approved consent for a nature estate.
“The remainder of Portion 1 is currently vacant and unutilised,” the document reads.
“The portion accommodates various wildlife and bird species and is entirely enclosed with an electrified wildlife fence. Other than the existing borehole, no service infrastructure exists on the site and all has to be provided by the developer.”
Use of vacant land – at a price
This project will not only create employment during construction and operations but will also bring services and goods closer to nearby residential and agriculture communities. However, according to the BID, the impact of the proposed activity on the bio-physical environment is mainly negative, although it can be mitigated.
“The effect on natural and general ambiance of the area and surroundings is negative, while the animals and birds habituating on the site will be disturbed. Vegetation will also be cleared for the construction of municipal/bulk services and top structures.
“A lot of water will be used during construction and operations, as well as the generation of dust during construction and operations.”
There is concern whether the area can be restored to an acceptable status once the bulk services have been constructed. These impacts will be evaluated to determine their significance and how they can be mitigated.
New road
Willem Schutz Town and Regional Planning Consultant (WSTRPC) was appointed as the town planner on the project.
According to WSTRPC, the portion was originally intended to be subdivided into several low-density residential plots and preliminary development approval was granted by the dity of Windhoek in 2019.
The re-alignment of the B1 trunk road onto the remainder of Portion 1 will have a major impact on the original subdivision plan and required that the subdivision and land-use plan had to be amended.
According to the Roads Authority (RA), the realignment of the road and a proposed new intersection are expected to be proclaimed within the next six months.
The RA could not provide a timeline for the proposed construction of the new road and intersection.
The residential developments of Out of Nature, Omeya, Auas View and others will access the trunk road from this intersection.
WINDHOEK
A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday this week to discuss a new proposed development at Farm Gross Haigamas.
Developers Birdsong Properties are planning on developing a service station, a rural residential and nature estate, business erven and street portions on Portion 1 of the farm, which is located 30 km south of Windhoek on the B1, directly northeast of Omeya.
It is close to 78,8 hectares in size.
According to the Background Information Document (BID), Portion 1 is zoned as “rural residential” as per the stipulations of the Aris Town Planning Scheme, with approved consent for a nature estate.
“The remainder of Portion 1 is currently vacant and unutilised,” the document reads.
“The portion accommodates various wildlife and bird species and is entirely enclosed with an electrified wildlife fence. Other than the existing borehole, no service infrastructure exists on the site and all has to be provided by the developer.”
Use of vacant land – at a price
This project will not only create employment during construction and operations but will also bring services and goods closer to nearby residential and agriculture communities. However, according to the BID, the impact of the proposed activity on the bio-physical environment is mainly negative, although it can be mitigated.
“The effect on natural and general ambiance of the area and surroundings is negative, while the animals and birds habituating on the site will be disturbed. Vegetation will also be cleared for the construction of municipal/bulk services and top structures.
“A lot of water will be used during construction and operations, as well as the generation of dust during construction and operations.”
There is concern whether the area can be restored to an acceptable status once the bulk services have been constructed. These impacts will be evaluated to determine their significance and how they can be mitigated.
New road
Willem Schutz Town and Regional Planning Consultant (WSTRPC) was appointed as the town planner on the project.
According to WSTRPC, the portion was originally intended to be subdivided into several low-density residential plots and preliminary development approval was granted by the dity of Windhoek in 2019.
The re-alignment of the B1 trunk road onto the remainder of Portion 1 will have a major impact on the original subdivision plan and required that the subdivision and land-use plan had to be amended.
According to the Roads Authority (RA), the realignment of the road and a proposed new intersection are expected to be proclaimed within the next six months.
The RA could not provide a timeline for the proposed construction of the new road and intersection.
The residential developments of Out of Nature, Omeya, Auas View and others will access the trunk road from this intersection.
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