ReconAfrica accused of activities in virgin forest

CANADIAN oil and gas company ReconAfrica, which is currently exploring in the two Kavango regions, has now been accused of cutting through a virgin forest within conservancy boundaries.

This is contained in a letter dated 28 January, written by eight non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to Tjekero Tweya, the chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on natural resources.

The NGOs are the //Ana-Djeh San Trust, Earthlife Namibia, the Namibian Chamber of the Environment, Frack Free Namibia, the Namibian San Council, Saving Okavango’s Unique Life (SOUL) Alliance, the Women’s Leadership Centre, and the Economic and Social Justice Trust.

The NGOs in the letter said: “Residents in George Mukoya conservancy also reported that ReconAfrica had cut a stretch of 2,5km of a new road through virgin forest within conservancy boundaries before its conservancy manager stopped further bush and tree clearance.”

ReconAfrica is also accused of departing from the existing environmental impact assessments (EIAs), environmental clearance certificates (ECCs), and environmental management plans.

The NGOs said the original EIA for the shooting of 450km of 2D seismic surveys stated that ReconAfrica would be using existing roads and tracks.

A seismic survey is used to investigate underground structures, particularly as related to exploration for petroleum, natural gas, and mineral deposits.

“However, shortly after the ECC was granted, ReconAfrica announced plans to carve 22,5 km of new seismic cutlines through untouched Kavango forest,” the letter said.

A recent National Geographic article revealed that the company has illegally drilled one of its test wells inside the protected Kapinga Kamwalye Conservancy without obtaining or requesting the necessary permission.

“The undersigned NGOs are shocked to learn that all of these activities are taking place without any further environmental Impact Assessments and transparent public consultations,” the NGOs stated in a letter.

According to the NGOs, ReconAfrica on 20 January announced that an update to the EIA has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism for approval, covering about 500km.

The NGOs further said the second 2D seismic programme is scheduled to begin by the end of this month.

The company has announced its intention of drilling an additional three to six wells in the licensed area during 2022.

“It is unclear whether the company will negotiate leasehold agreements before drilling this time,” the NGOs said in their letter.

ReconAfrica spokesperson Ndapewoshali Shapwanale yesterday said the company is committed to safe, responsible, and ethical resource development and uses the most advanced and sustainable drilling practices available.

“We were extremely pleased to welcome the parliamentary standing committee on natural resources to our operation as part of the several public hearings regarding our project. This activity speaks directly to our commitment to remain transparent and accountable in all aspects of our operations,” she said.

Despite the company being accused of not doing consultations, Shapwanale said the public hearing gave them an opportunity to provide factual responses and context to questions raised by the standing committee as it prepares its own report.

“As we move forward, we will continue to engage with communities and honour our environmental and social commitments to the people of Namibia and Botswana.

ReconAfrica has been working in close collaboration with – and at the invitation of – the government of Namibia,” she said.

The NGOs said ReconAfrica’s actions to date have flouted Namibian law and international treaties the state is a signatory to.

They called on Tweya to clarify the government’s position on ReconAfrica’s repeated disregard for Namibian law and related environmental procedures.

Tweya couldn’t be reached for comment.

Agnes Kafula, the deputy chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on natural resources, said she has not seen the letter.

She said Tweya is the appropriate person to comment on the issue.

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