Bibliography: p. 103-107. / Contract No. LHDA (Lesotho Highlands Development Authority) 1000 is the design and construction of the supporting infrastructure for the Mohale Dam, Phase lB of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The Environmental Evaluation Unit (EEU) of the University of Cape Town (UCT) was employed by GBJV (Gibbs-Bergman Joint Venture), consulting engineers, to conduct the environmental impact assessments for contract No. LHDA 1000. The impact assessments were: * an initial EIA of the Maseru bypass alternatives; * an EIA of two site access roads at the Mohale Dam construction site; * an EIA of the Resident Engineers Camp, and * an EIA of the Least Cost Alternative Route (LCAR) and the Western Access Route (WAR) for the transport of construction materials to the Mohale Dam site. The WAR, which forms part of the existing Mountain Road, was identified as a viable option for the transport of construction materials to the Mohale Dam site. The LCAR was identified from eight alternatives, excluding the WAR, in an initial desk-top study, as a viable route. The WAR proposal involves the upgrading part of existing Mountain Road, which runs in an easterly direction from Maseru, over the Thaba-Putsoa Mountain Range to ThabaTseka. The WAR proposal would upgrade 60 km of this presently degraded road between St. Michael's and Patiseng. The LCAR runs from Maputsoe to Ha Mateka via Teyateyaneng along existing roads. 55 km of new road will be built through the Jorodane Valley from_ Ha Mateka to Mafotholeng (refer to Map 1). Two separate baseline EIA reports were produced for the LCAR and the WAR proposals.

Includes bibliographical references. / The modulation of Tanzanian coastal rainfall variability with the El Nino/Southern oscillation (ENSO), the largest known mode of Southern Hemisphere climatic variation is examined. A rainfall index was formulated from variable Tanzanian coastal stations and used to identify the rainfall characteristics of each ENSO year. Monthly anomalies of selected meteorological fields were analyzed for El Niño/La Niña composites and each individual event to determine the mechanisms associated with seasonal rainfall over teh Tanzanian coast during ENSO years.

The Thermal internal Boundary Layer (TIBL) is a dynamic and turbulent mesoscale feature of the coastal atmosphere that forms over the land during conditions of onshore flow. The TIBL develops as an adjustment of the atmospheric boundary layer to the discontinuities of temperature and roughness that occur at the interface between the underlying marine and terrestrial surfaces. The resulting formation of a characteristically convex mixed layer below relatively stable air aloft has serious implications for the dispersion of pollutants in shoreline environments. Although a wide range of research relating to various features of the TIBL may be found in the literature, relatively few broadly-based studies have been performed. This study has employed both airborne and surface measurements to obtain a comprehensive spatial and temporal data set, in order to elucidate aspects of the characteristic structure and behaviour of the TIBL. TIBL growth was found to follow a diurnal pattern, the initially irregular boundary becoming more uniform during the day as a steady balance between various factors was achieved. The TIBL was associated with a layer of uniform wind speed anti direction flowing perpendicular to the coastline, within which warmer temperatures and changes in relative humidity and moisture content were observed. The temperature structure of the onshore flow strongly influenced the intensity of turbulence encountered in the TIBL and the degree of entrainment aloft. Patterns of turbulent properties displayed significant increases in the TIBL, which were relatively abrupt near the surface and more gradual towards the top of the TIBL. Measurements of sensible heat flux revealed strong undulations in TIBL structure due to transitory eddies and thermal upcurrents. Certain theoretically based predictive equations of TIBL height displayed the best overall performance out of eight selected models, and some promise was shown by an empirical formulation. TIBL development was generally complex and irregular within the first few kilometres of the shore, while further inland more regular TIBL formation enabled the relatively accurate observation and prediction of TIBL height.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-113). / Seven decades ago, the pre-eminent limnologist, Miss Edith Stephens described the Cape Flats as "a paradise for the aquatic biologist". At that time the area was characterised by numerous temporary or seasonal wetlands that filled and dried in concert with the seasons. Since Miss Stephen's observations, the number of seasonal wetlands on the Cape Flats has dwindled alarmingly and very few remain. This dissertation attempts to account for this and provide guidance for the management of the remaining seasonal wetlands. The dissertation shows how development (characterised by the urban and agricultural land-use) has radically altered the nature of seasonal wetlands and that Typha capensis can be used as an indicator of the ecological value or integrity of these wetlands. Two case studies have been selected to test this premise. The various interrelationships between vegetation, hydrology, nutrients, land-use and ecological value are explored and the proliferation of wetland communities of Typha capensis is shown to be an indicator of negative impacts on seasonal wetlands. The literature review indicates that the proliferation of Typha capensis signifies a decline in habitat diversity and biodiversity (species richness). Typha capensis has been shown to be influenced by streamflow and nutrient input (the plant thrives in shallow areas, permanently inundated with nutrient-rich waters). Therefore, changes to the total area occupied by Typha capensis can be used to illustrate how development has affected the hydrology, habitat diversity, biodiversity and ecological value of seasonal wetlands. The primary source of information was aerial photography, of varying scales, dated from the early 1940s to 2000 and acquired from the Department of Land Affairs: Land Surveys and Mapping. Identifying, mapping and interpreting land-use changes and changes to Typha capensis formed the basis of the research. Water chemistry information, obtained from the Scientific Services Department of the City of Cape Town, and an extensive literature review supplemented the photographic information. Zeekoevlei / Rondevlei wetland and the Khayelitsha wetlands are used as case studies. Together they have been affected by a significant range of impacts generated by different manifestations of development including Wastewater Treatment Works, high-income residential areas, catchment hardening, manipulation of drainage patterns, informal settlement, informal grazing, agricultural runoff and horticultural market gardens. The pattern of land-use change within the selected wetlands' catchments (Lotus River catchment and Kuils River catchment), the impacts of the observed land-use changes, and the impacts to Zeekoevlei / Rondevlei and the Khayelitsha wetlands with respect to seasonality, Typha capensis and ecological value are presented and discussed in detail. In general, urban areas have increased over time to dominate the two catchments. Agricultural areas were consolidated into a few areas while the areas of open space diminished rapidly. Surface and stormwater runoff from "hardened" catchments, irrigation of farmland, and treated effluent from Wastewater Treatment Works all drastically increased, In addition, the concomitant influx of nutrients (nitrates, nitrites and phosphorus) polluted the rivers and wetlands, making them eutrophic and promoting the proliferation of large stands of Typha capensis. The impact of these changes was the loss of seasonality, habitat diversity and biodiversity. Specific recommendations are made for the long term management of Zeekoevlei, Rondevlei and the Khayelitsha wetlands. The proposed management strategy is based on selected management objectives i.e. what is the wetland being managed for? It might not be possible to fully rehabilitate them to a pristine state but management as recreational areas, conservation areas and even educational areas is possible. Key points of the recommended management plans include: * maintaining the winter drawdowns at Zeekoevlei / Rondevlei; * implementation of a dredging and Typha clearing programme; * strategically placed reed beds to purify inflow; * a fire programme for the Khayelitsha wetlands; and * instating an environmental awareness course at the Khayelitsha wetlands. The importance of an Integrated Catchment Management Plan is emphasised. Catchments should be managed as a whole, recognising the relationships between planning, land-use and water resources.

Bibliography: leaves 126-134. / In 1998, after spending ten years in government business, as an economist in Tanzania, four of which in departments/ministries dealing with environmental and natural resources management in the country, I made a decision to study Environmental Science. This was triggered by the fact that I noticed there is a dearth of Environmental and Resource Economists in my county. I realised that most politicians and technocrats were paying lip service to environmental problems, and could not link environmental management issues with economic development policies and strategy.

Includes bibliographical references. / The small-scale mining (SSM) sector in South Africa has been overshadowed by the wealth generating capacity of the formal mining industry. To address the disparity between the SSM sector and the large formal mining industry, a number of government initiatives have been introduced, the latest being the preparation of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28, which was finalized in October 2002. The Act, which has not yet been implemented, is expected to redress some of the sector's current obstacles. Two case studies conducted in the Northern Cape and North West Provinces, provided the basis for this social impact assessment (SIA). The aim of these studies was to identfy the most serious issues faced by the SSM sector and to assess the likely socio-econiomic impacts of the Act.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-117). / This thesis examines the feasibility of applying people-centred approaches to flood early warning systems (EWS) in informal settlements in the City of Cape Town, particularly, through the experiences of poor and disadvantaged communities in Kosovo and Masiphumelele informal settlements. The impact of recurrent floods during the winter rainfall months and their costs are disproportionally borne both by those at risk and the local government that is required to repeatedly respond to them. A social science perspective is adopted, with the application of a risk communication framework. The urban flood-risk context of both study sites and the risk governance approach to managing and communicating flood risk were investigated and factors influencing flood warning processes and behavioural factors influencing response to flood-risk and flood warning, examined.

Against the background of the Group Areas Act (1950) and the consequent forced removals this thesis recovers the history of Fairview, Port Elizabeth. I examine how this neighbourhood is remembered through oral histories, family photographs and memory maps, alongside archival, media and literary representations of the area at the time. I demonstrate that despite the forced removals of its residents and the physical destruction of a neighbourhood, Fairview continues to be actively re-imagined, in the present, in varied unpredictable ways. I draw upon earlier research about Apartheid forced removals and how the places affected are remembered by people who lived the trauma of forced eviction on racial grounds. I also draw upon my own qualitative research conducted in 2012 and 2013 to explore, the representation of place in both personal memories and archival material. Through this mix I present Fairview’s history of dispossession as a result of the Group Areas Act, and highlight the violence exercised through Apartheid-era legislation. However, I also present rich family and community histories comprised of meaningful relationships that were nurtured around enduring institutions which provide insight into the ‘everyday’ makings of a neighbourhood and its residents. By allowing these interconnected narratives to shape the memory of Fairview I demonstrate that recovering this history is about more than remembering an Apartheid loss. This work contributes to a broader project of refiguring and expanding the archive in post-Apartheid South Africa, a body of materials, that recognise its character as being plagued by colonial and later Apartheid biases (Hamilton, Harris and Reid, 2002: 9). I focus on broadening memories of places in which Apartheidera Group Areas removals and its destruction were imposed. To explore the multiple dimensions of these types of spaces I understand them as embodied social contexts which provide structure to inhabitants through multiple layers of community (Till, 2012: 9, 10, 2008: 108). This approach assists me to explore responses to acts of trauma like forced removals and demolitions, highlighting the various place-making activities through which people attempt to reconnect with their former neighbourhoods and lives, expressed in recollections, images and rituals which are central to how places of memory are remembered and reimagined (Till, 2003: 297). In the context of Fairview the mix of public and state archives with family repositories was central to recuperating and recovering a fuller history of Group Areas Removals and highlighting its meaningfulness in the present.

Includes bibliographical references. / Sand is a resource in high demand for urban expansion and development. Sand mining operations are often located on the edges of cities. The Macassar Dunes are an important source of building sand for the City of Cape Town. The area is located within the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest and richest of the six floral kingdoms of the world. The Macassar Dunes area has been identified as a core flora conservation site due to its unique habitat diversity and quality. South Africa is a developing country and this case study is used to highlight the tensions that arise between the need to provide building sand for development and the need for integrated and accountable management that allows for the sustainable functioning of natural physical and ecological processes as well as enhanced social and economic benefits for people.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-166). / This thesis explores debates surrounding the social production and interaction of divergent housing rationalities through qualitative research in a low income housing development called Stock Road and in the offices of the para-statal company that developed and administered the area, the Cape Town Community Housing Company (CTCHC). Investigations draw on literatures of the state, development and critiques of South African housing policy to "sketch" the predominant characteristics of the CTCHC’s housing rationality. The contours of residents housing rationalities are explored through an engagement with literatures and case studies that stress the social and historical aspects of home-ownership.