By Karen Menczer | Director, Animal-Kind International
While the Uganda SPCA team has been very busy in the last few months, progress at the new Haven has moved a bit slower. From our previous GlobalGiving progress reports and pictures, you may know that there are wetlands on the new USPCA Haven site (see picture below-the land slopes toward the right in the photo, where you can see the start of the wetland area).
The USPCA's intention is to leave the wetlands in their natural state; dog walking trails would be located in this area. Even so, because of a a recent, new effort by the Government of Uganda to conserve the country's wetlands (better late than never.....), the National Environmental Management Authority ruled that the USPCA must submit environmental documentation, including a full Environmental & Social Impact Assessment before moving ahead with any additional construction. (See link below to an article about Museveni's demand that the National Medical Stores vacate their premises because they built in a wetland; you can also see the lack of clarity, confusion, and conflicting decisions over wetland conservation).
Currently about 35 dogs are living at the new shelter. The kitchen is functioning (see picture). The dogs at the shelter are enjoying their lives there (see picture). But no others have been moved while the USPCA gathers the information they need for the preliminary documentaiton and prepares for the full environmental review.
Luckily, we have some supporters (including me) who have worked with NEMA and who have conducted Environmental & Social Impact Assessments in Uganda, and who are willing to volunteer their time. But it can be time consuming: The process starts with a project brief to NEMA, then proceeds to scoping and development of a Terms of Reference (TORs) for approval by NEMA, after which, the team conducts the full ESIA.
We are hoping that additional dogs can be moved to the site during this process. We have the funds needed to construct a new cattery, so as soon as we get the approval, the cattery will move ahead. And we have a glimmer of hope that another meeting with NEMA decision makers might result in a waiver of the ESIA.....it's a glimmer, but it's enough to get us through the new year with some hope. Even if an ESIA is required, we intend to make this as seamless a proicess as possible and ensure it goes as quickly as possible so that all the cats and dogs can soon be living at this beautiful location.
Sorry to bring less than good news in this Progress Report, but the USPCA is still 100% committed to fully constructing the new shelter at this site and as quickly as posisble--and Animal-Kind International will do all that we can do to ensure this happens.
Wishing you health and happiness for the festive season,
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