Integrated, inclusive and climate-smart spatial planning in Lüderitz, Aus and ||Kharas

Description of work and services to be provided: The contractor is responsible for the implementation of 5 different work packages. Work package 1 focuses on the elaboration of spatial development plans for Lüderitz, namely the Urban Structure Plan and the Zoning and Town Planning Scheme. An additional objective under this work package is the creation of tools and mechanisms for adherence to these planning documents. The city of Lüderitz currently relies on an Urban Structure Plan developed for 2015 - 2040 which has never been approved and is therefore not legally binding for current developments in Lüderitz. The existing Urban Structure Plan further does not take the developments of the emerging green hydrogen industry, oil and gas developments or other major investments being planned in Lüderitz into account. The new Urban Structure Plan to be developed shall guide a sustainable and inclusive growth of Lüderitz in the upcoming years. The Town Planning Scheme shall be elaborated in parallel with the Urban Structure Plan. Work package 2 focusses on the nearby settlement of Aus. The main objectives of this work package are the elaboration of a Spatial Development Framework and the support in preparing the application for township status of the settlement. The settlement of Aus currently uses a layout plan. The contractor shall aim to develop an additional integrated planning document to provide strategic and spatial guidance to the local authority for the development of the settlement. Although Aus does currently not legally require a structure plan, it is recommended to develop a spatial development framework, either as a stand-alone document or integrated in a Regional Structure Plan. The Spatial Development Framework should serve as a strategic spatial plan addressing the town"s social, economic, and environmental development in an integrated and forward-looking manner to guide land use decisions, infrastructure investment, and a sustainable transformation of Aus. Under the same work package, the contractor shall further support the preparation of documents for the township application for the settlement. The IIKharas Regional Council (KRC) is planning to request MURD to upgrade the settlement of Aus to township status to enhance self-governance and responsiveness to developments. The process requires layout plans, a feasibility study, and a request by the regional council to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development with justification. The main task will be the drafting of a feasibility study to determine whether Aus can sustain itself as an independent town. Under work package 3, the contractor shall develop strategies and policies that are important for the inclusive urban transformation of Lüderitz and Aus. Strategies for gender-responsive urban development shall be elaborated for both locations. The design of public spaces (outdoor and indoor) and urban structures significantly influence many aspects of our lives, such as working, playing, mobility patterns and leisure activities. Needs of women, and also youth, are often underrepresented in urban design. In addition to the structural marginalization of women, girls and other marginalized groups, further reasons for this issue include the lack or absence of user data and the insufficient representation and active participation of women and marginalized groups in planning and construction processes. The contractor shall therefore support the introduction of a gender-responsive urban development approach. A second main objective under work package 3 is the development of reception policies and strategies for Lüderitz and Aus. This includes the identification of potential new reception areas within the town / settlement area. While Lüderitz residents and migrant workers from all over the country are in expectance of future developments, migration into the city has already begun in recent years to serve the demand for workers in other industries, such as the fishing industry. Since land values in Lüderitz have already increased and the availability of land on the formal land market is reduced, Lüderitz has seen the growth of several informal settlement areas. The current informal settlement areas are already overcrowded, and the Lüderitz Town Council is struggling to provide appropriate land as reception areas for the incoming population. While Aus is not yet facing the same challenges, it is expected to receive incoming migration for the new industries. The contractor shall therefore explore different possible solutions for accommodating people in the future, as well as support the development of policies and strategies to deal with future immigration to the city of Lüderitz and to the settlement of Aus. The 4th work package shall strengthen environmental protection and adaptation to climate change through planning processes and promotion of instruments that strengthen adherence to elaborated plans and strategies. The planned urban developments in Lüderitz and Aus will significantly impact the natural environment, which is known for its high biodiversity and endemic plant species. The marine ecosystem hosts a rich variety of fish, birds, and mammals. The current waste management system in Lüderitz is insufficient, leading to contamination of terrestrial and marine landscapes. Industrial developments could further degrade surrounding ecosystems if not managed carefully. Adaptation to climate change is not yet sufficiently considered in urban development processes. Based on the work of the contractor, the GIZ ILA project aims to support local governments in mitigating negative effects on the environment and adapt to climate change through planning and promotion of adherence to established planning documents. The 5th work package aims to support Capacity Development through the conduction of trainings, systematization of experiences, development of training materials and conduction of public awareness campai