Tradeport’s consultants urged to step down

JANA-MARI SMITHWINDHOEKThe Namibian SPCA has called for the recusal of EnviroLeap, the consultancy working to secure environmental approval for Tradeport Namibia’s plans to import thousands of South African sheep for export via Lüderitz to the Middle East.“It is clear that EnviroLeap is biased in favour of the proposed project,” the SPCA stated last week in response to EnviroLeap’s environmental scoping report detailing Tradeport’s plans.Tradeport plans to buy up between 10 000 and 70 000 sheep in South Africa, and to transport the live animals through Namibia to the Lüderitz port for export via sea to the Middle East. Their plan has met strong opposition.One stakeholder described the plan as “fatally flawed on ethical grounds”.Several organisations and individuals have repeatedly warned that Namibia should avoid becoming complicit in an industry that is drawing increasing global condemnation.FlawedThe SPCA argues that the scoping report shows clear bias by the environmental consultants hired by Tradeport to pave the way for an environmental clearance certificate.The SPCA highlighted that EnviroLeap thanked the minority of registered stakeholders in support of the project, and “at one or more points dismissed or ridiculed those who have raised serious concerns and/or are in opposition of the proposed project.”“A review board should be impartial and separate from the authoring company,” the SPCA notes.Another question raised are the lack of public consultations with relevant stakeholders.The SPCA’s own review found that no public consultations were held in Keetmanshoop, Aus, Lüderitz, all directly affected by the proposed plans.“It is evident that EnviroLeap did not consult widely enough in either the initial period for registering of I&APs, nor throughout the one year preparing the second report,” the SPCA found.No commentLast week, livestock producers questioned the report’s failure to address the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Africa, which has led to a total ban of imports of sheep and other livestock into Namibia.EnviroLeap refused to respond to several media queries on this issue.NamPort said it has no knowledge about the project.The ministry of agriculture last week confirmed that the transport of live sheep from South Africa to any of Namibia's ports is not permitted.

Tradeport’s consultants urged to step down

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Tradeport’s consultants urged to step down

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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