School of Earth Sciences and Engineering

Department of Geology and Geological Engineering

ENVS 304: Environmental Impact Assessment

By: Dr. S. Tirivarombo

Environmental Impact Assessment For Proposed Construction Of 500 Bed

Student’s Residence Building.

Baseline Characterisation

Prepared by:

Thokomelo Moloi 21000880

Oagilwe Mookodi 21000051

1. Project Description

1.1 Background and Purpose

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has proposed the
construction of a new 500-bed Student Residence on its campus in Palapye. The proposed
development is intended to address the critical shortage of on-campus accommodation and to
improve the living conditions currently experienced by students residing in the aging
portacabins (white student house) facilities.

The project has been identified as necessary due to:

 Insufficient on-campus accommodation capacity relative to the growing student
population
 Deteriorating and substandard living conditions in the existing temporary structures
(portacabins)
 The need to provide a safe, healthy, and conducive residential environment for BIUST
students

1.2 Project Location

The proposed site is located within the BIUST campus, Palapye, Botswana. Specifically, the
project will occupy the area currently used by the white student houses (portacabins) and their
immediate surrounding land.

Figure 1.0: The proposed project site location Map.(Satelite imagery)

1.3 Project Components

The proposed Student Residence development will include the following key components:

 500-bed residential buildings (multi-storey)

 Parking areas and access roads
 Water supply infrastructure (pipelines, storage tanks, pumps)
 Sewage collection system
 Surface water drainage systems
 Electrical infrastructure (substations, cabling, lighting)
 Solid waste collection points
 Landscaping and open recreational spaces

1.4 Construction Phase Activities

The following activities are expected during the construction phase of the project:

 Site demarcation and surveying

 Relocation of existing portacabins and demolition of other structures
 Land clearing removal of vegetation (grass, trees, shrubs) and rocks
 Excavation and levelling of land
 Earthworks and foundation construction
 Building construction (residential blocks)
 Transportation of construction materials and heavy machinery
 Installation of utilities (water, sewer, electricity, drainage)
 Site rehabilitation and landscaping

Figure 2.0: Existing Portacabins

1.5 Operational Phase Activities

Once construction is complete, the following activities will characterise the operational phase:

 Occupation of 500-bed residence by BIUST students

 Daily domestic water consumption and wastewater generation
 Electricity consumption for lighting, heating/cooling, and appliances
 Generation and collection of solid waste (domestic waste streams)
 Increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and from the residence
 Routine maintenance of buildings, grounds, and infrastructure
 Recreational use of outdoor spaces and landscaped areas

2. Baseline Environment

2.1 Overview

A site visit was conducted to the proposed project area to characterise the existing baseline
environment. The following describes the physical, ecological, and socio-economic
conditions observed prior to project commencement.

Figure 3: General Site Overview

2.2 Baseline Summary Table
Environmental Baseline Observation
Parameter
Terrain Relatively flat ground with mixed topography across the proposed site
Soil Type Sandy soils with underlying sandstone and surface rock outcrops
Vegetation Moderately dense cover including trees, shrubs, and short grass
Existing Structures Portacabins (white student houses), prefabricated buildings, electrical
switchboards, streetlights, shade walkways, sports courts, water tanks and
pumps, fencing, paved areas, drainage channels, soccer field, driving
school infrastructure, water pipelines and taps, waste collection bins and
skips
Noise Levels Low to medium ambient noise levels
Waste / Litter Minimal littering observed on-site
Traffic Low to medium vehicular and pedestrian traffic
Safety & Site is highly accessible with good pedestrian and vehicle movement
Accessibility
Human Activity High movement of people (students, staff) throughout the area
Soil Stability Generally stable with rock formations providing support
Fauna Birds, lizards, cats, snakes, and spiders observed on-site
Drainage / Water Evidence of ponding water on ground surface in low-lying areas

2.3 Physical Environment

2.3.1 Terrain and Topography

The site exhibits uneven ground with variable topography. Rock outcrops and undulating
terrain are characteristic of the area. These features will require significant earthworks and
levelling prior to construction.

Figure 4: Rock Outcrops behind the student housings

2.3.2 Soils
Soil types on-site consist predominantly of sandy soils with an underlying sandstone bedrock
and visible rock outcrops in places. The sandy character of the soil can make it susceptible to
erosion if the protective vegetative cover is removed. However, the presence of sandstone and
surface rocks contributes to overall soil stability under undisturbed conditions.

2.3.3 Drainage and Water

Ponding of water was observed on the ground surface in low-lying areas of the site, indicating
localised drainage inefficiencies. No perennial water bodies (rivers or streams) were identified
within the immediate project footprint. However, the existing drainage channels must be
considered during construction to avoid flooding or waterlogging.

Figure 5: Water ponding on the side of the student portacabin.

2.4 Ecological Environment

2.4.1 Vegetation

The site supports moderately dense vegetation cover characterised by a mix of trees, shrubs,
and short grass. The vegetation provides ecological functions including soil stabilization,
shade, and fauna habitat. Land clearing activities during construction will result in the removal
of much of this cover.
 Figure 6: Dense vegetation cover near the portacabins

2.4.2 Fauna
The site survey identified the presence of several fauna species associated with the mixed
vegetation and semi-urban environment:
• Birds: Various species observed foraging and nesting in site vegetation
• Lizards: Observed basking on rocks and open ground
• Snakes : Evidence of presence noted
• Cats : Stray/domestic cats utilising the area
• Spiders : Present within structures and vegetation

Figure 7: Evidence of presence of snakes on-site.

2.5 Socio-Economic and Human Use Environment

2.5.1 Existing Structures and Infrastructure

The site currently hosts a range of structures and infrastructure serving the BIUST campus
community. These include portacabins functioning as student accommodation, prefabricated
buildings, electrical switchboards and streetlights, shade walkways, sports courts (including a
soccer field), water tanks and pump infrastructure, fencing, paved surfaces, drainage systems,
a driving school area, water pipelines, taps, and waste collection bins and skips.

2.5.2 Noise Environment

The ambient noise environment of the site is characterised as low to medium, consistent with
a semi-active university campus setting. Primary noise sources include pedestrian activity, light
vehicular movement, and background operational noise from existing utilities.

2.5.3 Traffic and Accessibility

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the site is low to medium in intensity. The site is highly
accessible, with well-established pedestrian pathways and vehicular roads connecting the area
to the broader BIUST campus network. High levels of human movement (students and staff)
are characteristic of the area.

2.5.4 Waste and Litter

The site was found to have minimal littering, suggesting that existing waste management
practices are reasonably effective. Waste collection bins and skips are present on-site.

3. Project Activities

The project activities are divided into two main phases: the Construction Phase and the
Operational Phase. These activities form the basis for impact identification and assessment in
subsequent EIA stages.

3.1 Pre-Construction Activities

 Site demarcation, boundary pegging, and topographic surveying
 Engagement with affected stakeholders and relocation planning for current residents
 Obtaining all necessary permits and regulatory approvals
 Preparation of construction management plans (waste, traffic, erosion control)
3.2 Construction Phase Activities
 Relocation of occupants of portacabins and demolition of existing temporary structures
 Disconnection and diversion of existing utilities (water, electricity, drainage)
 Land clearing, removal of vegetation including grass, trees, shrubs, and surface rocks
 Levelling of land and bulk earthworks
 Excavation for foundations, basements, and underground services
 Construction of building foundations and multi-storey residential structures
 Construction of internal roads, paved surfaces, and parking areas
 Installation of water supply, sewage, stormwater, and electrical infrastructure
 Transportation of construction materials, equipment, and spoil removal
 Construction worker activities (camps if applicable, sanitation, noise, waste)
 Dust suppression and erosion control measures during construction
 Site rehabilitation, landscaping, and final finishing works

4.2 Summary of Relevant VECs

VEC Category Justification Significance
Soil Stability Physical Construction may trigger erosion, Medium–
compaction, or land degradation, especially High
during excavation and levelling activities.
Vegetation Ecological Site clearing and land levelling will require High
Cover removal of trees, shrubs, and grass cover on
the proposed site.
Fauna Habitat Ecological Construction activities may disturb or Medium
displace birds, reptiles (lizards, snakes), and
small mammals currently inhabiting the site.
Water Physical Increased demand for water during Medium–
Resources construction and operations; stormwater High
runoff and potential contamination of
drainage systems.
Student Living Socio- The project directly affects quality of High
Environment economic student life, housing availability, health,
safety, and the overall campus environment.
Infrastructure Socio- Increased demands on water supply, Medium–
Capacity economic electricity, waste management, and road High
network during both construction and
operational phases.
Air Quality Physical Dust generation during site clearing, Medium
excavation, and material transport may
affect workers and nearby occupants.
Noise Physical Construction machinery and activities will Medium
Environment elevate ambient noise levels in an otherwise
low-to-medium noise environment.
4.3 VEC Descriptions and Justifications

4.3.1 Soil Stability

The site soils are sandy with underlying sandstone. Although generally stable, the removal of
vegetation during land clearing significantly increases the susceptibility of surface soils to
erosion by wind and water. Excavation and heavy machinery during construction will further
disturb soil structure and increase compaction risks. Soil stability is a critical VEC as its
degradation can have cascading effects on drainage and vegetation recovery.

4.3.2 Vegetation Cover

The site supports moderately dense mixed vegetation. Construction will necessitate widespread
clearing of this vegetation cover. Loss of vegetation affects soil stability, the local micro-
climate, fauna habitat, and the aesthetic quality of the campus environment. The significance
of this VEC is rated high given the extent of clearing required.

4.3.3 Fauna Habitat

Several fauna species have been observed on-site including birds, lizards, snakes, and other
small animals. These species are dependent on the existing vegetation and structural features
(rocks, buildings) of the site for shelter and foraging. Construction activities will displace or
disturb these species. While no endangered or protected species were specifically identified,
fauna habitat remains an important VEC under Botswana's environmental legislation.

4.3.4 Water Resources

The project will significantly increase water demand on the BIUST campus during both
construction (dust suppression, concrete mixing) and operation (500 residents). Stormwater
runoff from newly impervious surfaces (buildings, roads, parking) may affect the existing
drainage system and increase risk of localised flooding, particularly given the ponding already
observed on-site. Water resources are a medium-to-high significance VEC.

4.3.5 Student Living Environment

The primary purpose of this project is to improve student accommodation. However, during
construction, the living environment of existing residents in surrounding areas may be
negatively affected by dust, noise, and disruption. In the operational phase, the quality and
safety of the new residence directly determines student wellbeing, health, and academic
performance. This VEC is rated high significance due to its direct socio-economic relevance.

4.3.6 Infrastructure Capacity

The addition of 500 residents will place considerably increased demand on the BIUST campus
water supply, electrical grid, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and road network.
Assessment of infrastructure capacity is essential to ensure the project does not overwhelm
existing systems and lead to service failures. This VEC links construction activities to
operational phase sustainability.

4.3.7 Air Quality

Dust generation during site clearing, excavation, levelling, and construction material transport
is a primary concern, particularly given the sandy soil type on-site. Workers and occupants of
nearby buildings may be exposed to elevated dust levels. Air quality is identified as a medium
significance VEC that requires dust suppression mitigation measures.

4.3.8 Noise Environment

The existing noise environment is characterised as low to medium. Construction equipment
(excavators, trucks, power tools) will significantly elevate noise levels during the construction
phase, potentially affecting the academic and residential environment of the campus. Noise is
a medium significance VEC requiring management during construction hours.