Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to develop the Spatial Development Plan (SDP) and review the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) for Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, in compliance with the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) and the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (Act 16 of 2013). The project aims to produce a comprehensive long-term land use strategy aligned with provincial, district, and municipal development plans, addressing spatial challenges, opportunities, and strategic interventions for sustainable growth over a 20-year horizon.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Phase 1: Preparation and initiation, including stakeholder engagement and setting up the project framework.
• Phase 2: Status quo analysis, collating existing data, environmental assessments, and environmental verification.
• Phase 3: Developing policy context, vision, strategic objectives, and alignment with relevant legislation.
• Phase 4: Identifying spatial challenges, opportunities, and proposing spatial strategies and proposals.
• Phase 5: Formulating implementation frameworks, policies, and consolidating information.
• Phase 6: Finalizing the SDF and SDP, producing comprehensive reports, digital GIS data, and spatial datasets.

The project also involves public participation, mapping of environmental and land use data, and ensuring alignment with provincial and district planning initiatives.

Technical Requirements

• Development of a long-term (20-year) Spatial Development Framework and associated Capital Investment Framework (CIF).
• Mapping and verification of environmental data, land uses, farm dwellers, and red data fauna and flora habitats, with ground truthing where necessary.
• Use of GIS tools, with data delivered in ESRI Shape File or File Geodatabase formats, referenced to WGS84 coordinate system.
• Preparation of environmental and land use data in digital formats, including GIS layers, maps, and reports.
• Implementation of a participatory approach involving stakeholders, community members, and relevant authorities.
• Provision of detailed methodology, phased work plans, and project management strategies.
• Submission of final reports, digital GIS data, and hard copies, ensuring confidentiality and data security.

Skills Requirements

• Town and Regional Planners registered with SACPLAN (South African Council for Planners), with proof of registration.
• Environmental specialists with experience in environmental impact assessments and habitat verification.
• GIS specialists with expertise in spatial data management, mapping, and analysis.
• Strategic planners with experience in developing municipal development strategies, IDPs, and land use frameworks.
• Project management skills to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, stakeholder engagement, and phased deliverables.
• Experience in participatory planning processes and stakeholder facilitation.
• Proven track record of similar projects, with at least six relevant completed projects, supported by reference letters.
• Ability to produce comprehensive reports, GIS datasets, and facilitate public participation effectively.