Martin Endjala
RECON Africa has assured the Popular Democratic Movement leader, McHenry Venaani that its exploration for oil in the Kavango Basin in environmentally friendly and therefore will not contaminated underground water resources or spoil the environment. This assurance was given during a high powered delegation of Recon Africa lead by its founder, Craig Steinke to Venaani this week in Windhoek, Roberto Dirkse, Venaani’s spokesman told the Windhoek Observer.
Venaani, during his election campaigns in 2019 was outspoken about the promotion of a clean environment and is particular concerned about the use of environmentally friendly exploration methods in the Kavango Basin and its surround areasing
Therefore, Dirkse said Venaani raised concerns around the threat of the ecosystem being harmed through a potential oil spillage, noise pollution an water contamination during the drilling processes.
However, the Recon Africa team gave assurances that there is no danger to underground water, as their casings are strong enough and pose no threat to water contamination. Recon Africa team also said they were not undertaking any fracking, as they are only exploring for gas and oil at this point.
Dirkse said that the Recon Africa told the opposition leader that they are assisting communities in the area of their exploration with the drilling boreholes for access to clean drinking water. They said that 400 jobs have been created so far, both permanent and temporary, while scholarships are also on offer for disadvantaged learners from the two Kavango regions.
Recon Africa further informed Venaani that it will contribute N$175 000 to PDM to assist with the return of Namibian students in Ukraine.
“The movement has committed to give these funds to the Emergency Fund in the Office of the Prime Minister’’ to be used for the psycho-social counselling of the students among others.
Venaani during the consultations emphasised on the issue of Namibia adding value to its natural resources to improve its economic performance.
The opposition leader then turn to PDM’s election manifesto, informing the Recon-delegation about the need for housing among others.
Asked about political leaders engaging non-State players, political analyst, Henning Melber emphasized the importance of political leaders engaging different stakeholders, as key in developing the country and believes that in so doing, “you don’t only gain trust from the people but you also demonstrate leadership and transparency. Recon Africa is a Canadian-based oil and gas junior, currently exploring for oil and gas in northeast Namibia and northwest Botswana in the Kavango Basin.
