Patriot007,

You are so right! We should consider it as a necessary evil, but, at the same time, ensure that due cognisance is given to environmental and hereditary and social aspects. These are also necessary, but should not stand in the way towards progress; progress and development that will be in the long-term interest of ALL the people.

The hydroelectric power scheme at Baynes it appears will go ahead, if we can read between the lines of Iiata's comments:

Studies on Baynes Hydropower Project in full swingJuly 13, 2010; grnnet grnnet


The Angola-Namibia Permanent Joint Technical Commission on the Kunene River Basin held extensive talks on the Baynes Hydropower Project during its two-day meeting in Walvis Bay from 6 to 7 July 2010.

The Co-Chairman of the Commission and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Joseph Iita, said during a media briefing on 8 July 2010 that the commission deliberated extensively on various projects assigned to it by the Angolan and Namibian governments.

Iita said the Baynes Hydropower Project currently has two studies being conducted, namely a techno-economic study, which is currently in phase 3, and an environmental study.

“To date, all geo-technical drilling and survey work has been completed, and the consultants are working on the hydrological and financial modeling as well as the detail design of the dam and electro-mechanical structures which should be completed by the end of January 2011,” said Iita.

He noted that the Commission has appointed Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to perform the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the project. The ESIA is currently in Phase 2.

“All field work for the water quality monitoring and terrestrial work have been completed, and ERM is now busy doing the water flow modeling to determine any relevant impacts of the Baynes Hydropower Project on the river’s ecology,” Iita said.

He further said that the Commission expressed its satisfaction with the ESIA outcome so far, as no fatal flaws have been found.

Iita said the Commission is also satisfied with the Techno-Economic and ESIA interface process, which have been well managed by the contracted companies undertaking the two respective studies.

The ESIA will be completed by the end of 2010.

(NAMPA/MICT)

The Ovahimba, Ovatwa, Ovatjimb and Ovazemba leaders are finding their voice. Good for them. The leaders of the four groups signed a statement cataloguing the government's disregard for their rights and demanding that the project be axed.

http://www.mopanetree.com/content/13...d-new-dam.html