Gas Project 'Poses Risks'

Exploration: Food Security, People and Animals Under Threat, Say Experts

- Masoka Dube

The proposed gas exploration project in the Mpumalanga highveld will affect food security and pose a health risk to people and animals if not conducted properly.

This is the view of farmers, community members and environmental experts interviewed by The Citizen yesterday about the gas exploration project that will be conducted by Rhino Oil and Gas Exploration South Africa.

Even though it is not clear when the project will start, The Citizen has seen a letter in which the company was inviting the affected communities to attend meetings to talk about the impact of the project in their area.

The meetings were held last week in different areas, including Ermelo, Amersfoort and Daggakraal. According to the letter, the consultative meetings that started on 13 March will continue until 14 April.

TLU SA general manager Bennie van Zyl expressed concern about the project.

He said his organisation went to the area to assess the damages the project might cause.

"From the agricultural side, we have great concern regarding the whole process of mining and the impact on the sustainability of food production," said Van Zyl.