ReconAfrica welcomes committee’s recommendations
Report ‘proves that communities support company’
The report was based on an investigation into ReconAfrica's oil exploration in Namibia's Kavango East and West regions, which started in January 2021.
In response to a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, the Namibian arm of Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) has welcomed committee chairman Tjekero Tweya's recommendations.
The report was based on an investigation into ReconAfrica’s oil exploration in Namibia’s Kavango East and West regions, which started in January 2021.
The Canadian company said it is satisfied that the committee independently found that an overwhelming majority of the communities involved support its activities.
It said the committee's findings confirm that ReconAfrica did consult traditional authorities and local communities, is not drilling in the Okavango Delta in Botswana and that accusations that its activities are damaging the environment are unfounded.
The committee recommended that the company’s search be allowed to continue.
"We appreciate that the committee has given us the opportunity to provide factual answers, the latest developments and information along with context in answer to their questions," a press statement by ReconAfrica read.
Wide-ranging engagement
The company would further study the report and approach stakeholders where clarity is still needed.
"Our project is the largest oil and gas exploration programme on land undertaken in Namibia. That is why consultation is important. We commend the standing committee for the wide-ranging engagement process, which allowed all parties to share information and answer any questions about the project,” ReconAfrica CEO Scot Evans said.
The company and its local partner, state-owned National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), on 25 June announced an exploration campaign for four boreholes, the first of which was drilled last week.
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The report was based on an investigation into ReconAfrica’s oil exploration in Namibia’s Kavango East and West regions, which started in January 2021.
The Canadian company said it is satisfied that the committee independently found that an overwhelming majority of the communities involved support its activities.
It said the committee's findings confirm that ReconAfrica did consult traditional authorities and local communities, is not drilling in the Okavango Delta in Botswana and that accusations that its activities are damaging the environment are unfounded.
The committee recommended that the company’s search be allowed to continue.
"We appreciate that the committee has given us the opportunity to provide factual answers, the latest developments and information along with context in answer to their questions," a press statement by ReconAfrica read.
Wide-ranging engagement
The company would further study the report and approach stakeholders where clarity is still needed.
"Our project is the largest oil and gas exploration programme on land undertaken in Namibia. That is why consultation is important. We commend the standing committee for the wide-ranging engagement process, which allowed all parties to share information and answer any questions about the project,” ReconAfrica CEO Scot Evans said.
The company and its local partner, state-owned National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), on 25 June announced an exploration campaign for four boreholes, the first of which was drilled last week.
[email protected]
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