Call for halting of gas exploration

THE Worldwide Fund for Nature, South African branch (WWF-SA) has lodged an appeal against Rhino Oil and Gas’ proposed exploration in northern KZN.

Angus Burns, WWF-SA Senior Manager for the Land and Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, lodged the appeal on behalf of the organisation, citing water scarcity as the core concerning factor.

‘We are a water-scarce country, with most catchments oversubscribed and little water available for new users,’ he said.

‘The proposed exploration area 108 encompasses the Mfolozi Headwaters SWSA in its entirety, as well as parts of the Enkangala Drakensberg WSA.

‘The Mfolozi Headwaters provide more than 29% of the water of the Richards Bay metropolitan area.

‘There is a strong relationship between ground water and surface water in this area so any impacts on ground water will influence the surface water.’

Burns said the economic hub of Richards Bay has already experienced chronic water shortages and cannot afford further stresses on the resources.

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The Mfolozi also supplies water to the St Lucia estuary system, as well as to rural and urban residents around the Mtubatuba area who have been battling water scarcity for years.

The Enkangala Drakensberg is a vital water source for Pongola, and is the main water source for northern KZN farming areas.

‘We do not have sufficient capacity to allow for large volumes of water to be used for the extraction of unconventional gas, or to risk water pollution caused by faulty well construction, migration of fracturing fluid in natural pathways or the mishandling of chemicals used for hydraulic fracturing or its waste water.’

Burns said the exploration area covers a significant portion of a nationally recognised water source area.

He also said many countries have banned the extraction of unconventional gas owing to the potential harm to both people and the environment, and that exploration will lead to extraction.

‘It should not be authorised in light of potential impacts which cannot be effectively mitigated.’

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