Southern Africa’s inhabitants are raising concerns about an oil and gas exploration project in Namibia and Botswana.
Namibia and Botswana are the countries in southern Africa. In the republic of Botswana, there is a largest inland delta in the world, called the Okavango Delta, it is the third-largest alluvial plain and the largest endorheic delta in Africa. It does not open to the sea, as it is an inland delta. Unlike other rivers, Okavango River drains into open sandy land, and floods the savanna region which creates a peculiar view. World’s most endangered species of large mammals like black Rhinos can be found here. The Okavango safari is one of the best safari experiences in the world.
It has been designated as a World Heritage site. This place has loads of fossil fuels.
Reconnaissance Energy Africa (Recon Africa), a Canadian company believes that there could be a wealth of oil and gas under the ground in the north of Botswana and neighboring Namibia. Three test wells have been drilled in Namibia, to check the presence of fossil fuels.
It holds exploration licenses for a 34,325sq km area straddling the border of the two countries.
People of that area believe that this project is a sin as it is destroying mother nature. Luke Pato has spent the last months in Namibia Campaigning against the project. Many other religious people are also against exploration of fossil fuels. They are saying that they all want the drilling to stop as soon as possible.
On the other hand, the company is saying the exploration possesses no harm to the environment and it has no pollution risk.
Stating another concern, Bishop Pato has said that as per his view the exploration of African natural resources by a Canadian company can be seen as starting of colonialism although Namibia’s government has rejected his point. He wants delegates at COP27 in Egypt to put forward “a resolution that would tell companies that are drilling outside of their own countries not to do so”.
It may be beneficial for Namibia to explore its natural resources. With many leaders convincing Bishop Pato, he still is not convinced. His point is if there is cleaner source of energy, we shouldn’t opt for fossil fuels.
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Tsodilo Hills – Mystical rock formation
The Tsodilo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors reside there.it is an archeological site. People say that there is undeniable spiritualism about the Hills that immediately strikes any visitor. It is believed to be a sacred, mystical place where the ancestral spirits of the San.
In the mountain, they pray for everything and also pray for rain. Mysterically, they put paintings on the rock face whose purpose is still unknown.
Any kind of exploration is not allowed within a 20km buffer zone around the hills. Still, Gakemotho Satao fears for the safety of the hills. He is fearing that the tremors which caused by the exploration may lead to destruction of paintings in future.
On the other hand, the exploration of natural resources can make the economy of the country stable in future.
