ROOTS Development is a project that involves a self-sustaining township development that provides a platform for integration between agriculture, education and other supporting commercial trades in a balanced lifestyle environment. It is located in the Hardap Region in the Village of Stampriet approximately 64 km north-east of Mariental. Stampriet has a current population of about 3 388 people and is considered an oasis in this mostly dry country. The 3 200 hectare farm was converted from farm to townlands in 2016 and the subdivision into 92 plots ranging from 1 to 60 hectares was completed in 2018. The layout allows for a mix of residential, business, agriculture and institutional plots to host the various planned activities. The size, zoning and position of each plot has been strategically designed to provide for all short- and long-term needs to fulfil the objectives of the development. On the agriculture side a potential for poultry farming was realised given the heavy dependence on food imports for local consumption. This is able to contribute to food security but also has the added advantage of creating several job opportunities. FRESH FRUIT FARMING (PTY) LTD obtained Portions 811, 814 and 815 of Farm Stampried 132 to establish a poultry production facility. The facility has four chicken coops that produce 5 000 broiler chicks per coop per cycle. In order to add value to the production process FRESH FRUIT FARMING (PTY) LTD has established an abattoir on Portion 808 of Farm Stampried 132. Chicken stock for slaughter is supplied from production facilities on Portions 811, 814 and 815 of the same Farm Stampried 132. In terms of section 27 of the Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Act 7 of 2007) listed activities may not be undertaken without an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). In line with the above, FRESHFRUIT FARMING (PTY) LTD applied for an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) which was approved in December 2021 and will expire in December 2024. It is against this background that FRESHFRUIT FARMING (PTY) LTD has appointed Environam Consultants Trading (ECT) to undertake the process of applying for the renewal of the Environmental Clearance Certificate.