The renewal of the Environmental Clearance Certificate is for: The upgrading of an existing 392 km Railway line located between Kranzberg Station and Tsumeb Station to improve safety and travel times and meet minimum SADC railway standards. The 'listed activities' that might be affected are listed below: Infrastructure 10.1 The construction of - (c) railways and harbours. Water resource developments 8.8 Construction and other activities in water courses within flood lines. Forestry activities: Potential clearance of forest area (i.e. trees) that might require authorisation in terms of the Forest Act, 2001 (Act No. 12 of 2001) or any other law. Quarrying activities 3.3 Resource extraction, manipulation, conservation and related activities. 2. Details of the Activity(s) covered by the Environmental Clearance Certificate: 2.1 Title of the Activity Upgrading of an existing 392 km Railway line between Kranzberg Station and Tsumeb Station. 2.2 Location of Activity The activity extends from Kranzberg Station (Erongo Region) to Tsumeb Station (Oshikoto Region). It has an approximate length of 392 km, and passes through the towns and settlements of: Omaruru, Kalkfeld, Otjiwarongo, Otavi and Tsumeb. (see attached locality map). 2.3 Nature of Activity The activities associated with the upgrade of the railway line include the following: Setting-up the construction camp (clearance of vegetation); Clearing of vegetation within the railway reserve which has encroached into railway operation area; Upgrade of all rail sections to SADC-standard rail for the entire 392 km project limits; Replacement of any remaining old rails, sleepers and ballast that have not yet been replaced by the current maintenance activities; Repair, widening or construction of new railway embankment / formation, where required; Repair or upgrade of the existing bridges and culverts; Addition of new culverts, if necessary; Minor re-alignments of the railway where there are sharp curves. The re-alignments will occur fully within the existing railway reserve; Repairs and regarding of certain sections of the service road that is located along the railway within the railway reserve. 2.4 Scale and Scope of the Activity The section of the existing railway line to be upgraded has an approximate length of 392 km, being the entire project limit. The rail, ballast and sleepers for this section had not been replaced for decades, and pose serious safety and maintenance problems. The railway line passes through the towns and settlements of: Omaruru, Kalkfeld, Otjiwarongo, Otavi and Tsumeb. All of the above work will occur within the existing railway servitude.