GGH3705 MAY JUNE PORTF0LIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 - DUE 30 May 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations. Ensure your success with us. ...

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GGH3705 MAY
JUNE PORTF0LIO
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 -
DUE 30 May 2025
NO PLAGIARISM


[Pick the date]

,Exam (elaborations)
GGH3705 MAY JUNE PORTF0LIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 - DUE 30 May
2025
 Course
 Assessing Environmental Impacts (GGH3705)
 Institution
 University Of South Africa (Unisa)
 Book
 Environmental Management

GGH3705 MAY JUNE PORTF0LIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 -
DUE 30 May 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations. Ensure your success with us. ...

A new business complex is planned for development within the town/city
where you live. You are given the task of conducting an environmental
impact assessment (EIA) for this proposed development. The specifications
for the business complex include: • Eight (8) buildings for the following types
of businesses: o Medical centre o Financial services o
Canteens/restaurants/coffee shops o Legal services o Day-to-day
office/boardroom rentals (e.g. Regus or WeWork) o Educational services
(such as tutor centre, reading centre) o IT services o Beauty and wellness
services (such as spa, gym, salons) • Parking (covered and open) • Petrol
station with a motor repair workshop and carwash • Any additional features
and/or eco-features which you deem necessary within your town/city
INSTRUCTIONS Use the knowledge that you have gained during the course of
the semester and write a short, yet comprehensive, environmental impact
report related to the proposed development. Your comprehensive report
needs to include the following sections: 1. Geographical description • Choose
two (2) possible sites for the planned project, and provide the following
information for each identified site: o A geographical description of the
town/city in which each determined site is located. o The exact location of
each site (include a suitable map of acceptable quality). o An evaluation of
the site characteristics of each determined site. o A comparison between the
two selected sites. The comparison should include and/or make reference to
the no-go alternative. • After your analysis of the two selected sites, indicate
which will be the recommended proposed site and which will be the
alternative site for the project/development. Provide reasons and/or
motivations for your selection and recommendation. [15]

1. Geographical Description

,1.1 Overview of the City: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Durban is a major coastal city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is the third-
most populous city in the country and is known for its extensive port, diverse economic activity,
and vibrant tourism industry. Durban features a subtropical climate, with warm and humid
summers and mild winters. The city’s topography varies from flat coastal plains to rolling hills
inland.



1.2 Site 1: Umhlanga Ridge (North of Durban CBD)

Exact Location: Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre, situated approximately 16km north of Durban
CBD. Coordinates: 29°43'24.2"S 31°04'53.6"E

Map:
(Insert satellite map with site pin – can be generated from Google Maps or GIS software)

Site Characteristics:

 Zoning: Mixed-use urban development; ideal for business complexes.
 Topography: Mostly flat, with existing infrastructure and roads.
 Accessibility: Easy access via M41 and N2 highways; close to King Shaka International
Airport.
 Surroundings: High-income residential areas, Gateway Mall, hospitals, and office parks.
 Utilities: Electricity, water, and fibre infrastructure readily available.
 Environmental Concerns: Possible concerns about increased traffic congestion and
water runoff due to urban hardscaping.



1.3 Site 2: Cato Ridge (West of Durban CBD)

Exact Location: Cato Ridge industrial precinct, approximately 50km inland from Durban.
Coordinates: 29°44'23.5"S 30°31'48.9"E

Map:
(Insert satellite map with site pin – can be generated from Google Maps or GIS software)

Site Characteristics:

 Zoning: Semi-industrial and commercial; growing node under eThekwini municipality's
logistics hub plan.
 Topography: Gently sloping terrain; some natural vegetation remains.
 Accessibility: Close to N3 national road; strategic logistics corridor between Durban and
Pietermaritzburg.

,  Surroundings: Mix of small-scale industry, low-density housing, and vacant land.
 Utilities: Infrastructure developing; may require additional municipal investment.
 Environmental Concerns: Risk of habitat disruption, especially for grassland bird
species and watercourses.



1.4 Comparative Analysis of the Two Sites

Criteria Umhlanga Ridge (Site 1) Cato Ridge (Site 2)
Proximity to Population High Moderate
Existing Infrastructure Excellent Developing
Environmental Sensitivity Moderate (urban runoff) Higher (natural vegetation)
Economic Integration High Growing but slower
Accessibility High Good (N3 corridor)
Development Cost Higher Lower

No-Go Alternative:
Should neither site be selected, the no-go alternative would mean that the business complex is
not developed at all. This would preserve the environmental status quo but may forgo substantial
economic and service delivery benefits, especially in healthcare, education, and job creation.



1.5 Recommended Site and Motivation

Recommended Site: Umhlanga Ridge (Site 1)
Alternative Site: Cato Ridge (Site 2)

Motivation:

 Umhlanga Ridge provides better infrastructure, access to services, and economic
synergies with existing commercial hubs.
 It offers a lower environmental risk due to prior development and urban zoning.
 Although development costs may be higher, the return on investment and social impact
(job creation, convenience for urban dwellers, reduced travel for services) justifies the
choice.

Conclusion: While Cato Ridge presents a future opportunity for industrial growth, Umhlanga
Ridge is the optimal site for immediate development due to its superior infrastructure,
accessibility, and integration with surrounding urban land uses.