250616005931 - The operation of the existing Lianshulu Lodge and Bush Lodge and development of Lianshulu Safari Lodge, a high-end lodge establishment in the Mudumu National Park, Zambezi Region, Namibia.

For this Project, ECC proposes to only develop a comprehensive environmental management plan (EMP) for the following reason: Lianshulu Lodge was already constructed in 1989 and Lianshulu Bush Lodge in 1998, thus predating the promulgation of the Environmental Management Act (EMA), No. 7 of 2007. The lodge establishment will primarily be located within a combined area of approximately 12 hectares, with the infrastructure occupying only around one hectare. Small to medium lodges by nature have limited environmental footprints and low potential for significant adverse impacts on their surroundings. Thus, subjecting them to a full environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) could be excessively resource-intensive, furthermore, this is a pre-established lodge establishment. The EMP will incorporate additional measures to accommodate the expansion and upgrade of the existing Lianshulu Lodge eatsblishment, which includes the addition of the Lianshulu Safari Lodge and associated operations areas. Listed activities triggered by the Project include: LISTED ACTIVITY ESIA SCREENING FINDING ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND STORAGE ACTIVITIES (1.a) The construction of facilities for the generation of electricity; - A 250-kW solar plant will form part of the Project to produce electricity for the Lianshulu lodge establishment. WASTE MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT, HANDLING AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (2.3) The import, processing, use and recycling, temporary storage, transit or export of waste. - This Project involves the temporary storage of general waste. The Lianshulu lodge establishment will recycle waste and general waste will be disposed of at the nearest registered landfill site. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES (5.3) Construction of veterinary protected area or game proof and international boundary fences. - There is the possibility of constructing a fence around the lodge establishment for security purposes. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES (6.) The construction of resorts, lodges, hotels or other tourism and hospitality facilities. - Renovations of the Lianshulu lodge establishment. As part of the planned expansion, an additional lodge area is proposed between the two existing lodges along the banks of the Kwando River. This new addition, provisionally named Ubabalela Lodge or Lianshulu Safari Lodge, will feature six luxury tented units, elevated 2.5 meters above ground on raised walkways. The expansion will also involve the development of the Lianshulu operations area, which will include 15 staff houses, a laundry facility, a workshop, a manager’s residence, a solar power installation and a “Garden of Eden” – a small, cultivated area for growing crops, fruits, and vegetables. WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTS (8.1) The abstraction of ground or surface water for industrial or commercial purposes. - Water will be abstracted from a borehole for the Lianshulu lodge establishment. The daily usage of the lodge is approximately 5 m3 to 12 m3. - A water abstraction licence will be applied for from the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE TREATMENT, HANDLING AND STORAGE (9.1) The manufacturing, storage, handling or processing of a hazardous substance defined in the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, 1974. (9.2) Any process or activity which requires a permit, licence or other form of authorisation, or the modification of or changes to existing facilities for any process or activity which requires an amendment of an existing permit, licence or authorisation or which requires a new permit, licence or authorisation in terms of a law governing the generation or release of emissions, pollution, effluent or waste. - French drain systems have been installed on-site at the existing establishment facilities. This will be replaced with new systems (where required). - A wastewater disposal licence will be applied for from DWA (if applicable with new systems) for the lodge establishment. - Approximately 100l of diesel will be stored on-site for generator use. OTHER ACTIVITIES (11.2) Construction of cemeteries, camping, leisure and recreation sites. - Lianshulu will provide leisure and recreation activities, like boat cruises, game drives, nature walks/hiking and cultural activities. 2. Details of the activity(s) covered by the environmental clearance certificate: Title of Activity: The operation of the existing Lianshulu Lodge and Bush Lodge and development of Lianshulu Safari Lodge, a high-end lodge establishment in the Mudumu National Park, Zambezi Region, Namibia. Nature of Activity: The renovation, expansion and operation of an existing tourism lodge establishment. Scale and Scope of Activity: Lianshulu currently comprises two established lodges: Lianshulu Lodge, constructed in 1989, and Lianshulu Bush Lodge, built in 1998. Lianshulu Lodge offers eight twin en-suite guest rooms, two double rooms and one family room, accommodating up to 24 guests, along with two guide rooms. Lianshulu Bush Lodge consists of 12 en-suite chalets and two guide rooms, with four chalets overlooking the lagoon marsh and another four situated within dense bush vegetation, each featuring private decks. Both lodges include reception areas, river-viewing decks, spacious kitchens, and supporting service facilities, with accommodation provided on a full board or dinner, bed and breakfast basis. As part of a planned expansion, an additional lodge area is proposed between the two existing lodges along the banks of the Kwando River. This expansion, provisionally named Ubabalela Lodge or Lianshulu Safari Lodge, will comprise six luxury tented units elevated 2.5 meters above ground level on raised walkways. Additionally, the expansion will involve the establishment of Lianshulu operations, including 15 staff houses, a laundry area, a workshop, a manager’s house, a solar installation, and a "Garden of Eden", a small garden for crops, fruits, and vegetables.

Commenting of the public on this project will expire at 12h00 on the 2025-07-17

Projects Documents

• EMP
• Consent letter or support doc from relevant Authority
• Confirmation of screening notice received (through email) in terms of assessment procedures (Section 35 (1)(a)(b) of the Environmental Management Act, No 7 of 2007)
• Preliminary Site Map (Project boundaries) with coordinates (decimal degrees) and a Legend
• CV of Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP)
• Declaration for the Submission of Assessment Reports and other Support Documents (upload Declaration Form from www.eia.meft.gov.na (downloads)

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