Swapo’s Kavaka challenges in-situ naysayers
Ogone TlhageWINDHOEKWenzel Kavaka, Swapo councillor for the Otjombinde constituency in the Omaheke Region, has challenged those opposed to in-situ mining in the Stampriet aquifer to present their findings against the proposed method, saying they should show evidence how it could harm groundwater sources. He made the comments following a trip to Kazakhstan last month as part of a delegation which included Omaheke regional council chief regional officer Pecka Semba, Otjinene constituency councillor Erwin Katjizeu, Okorukambe constituency councillor Rocco Nguvauva and Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate. The visit was at the invitation of Uranium One, which conducted exploration work in the region near Leonardville.
Green light
“I am for it; I’m giving it the green light. I propose that people opposing this must bring their expert and present the evidence so that we can discuss this and take away emotions,” Kavaka said.
According to him, evidence presented in Kazakhstan showed there was no apparent risk the proposed mining method would contaminate groundwater resources.
“Going by the mines we visited, by the look of things, it is environmentally friendly.
“There will not be groundwater pollution. The ore is from 500 metres to 700 metres [deep], the water is above that. There is no way the water will be polluted,” he said.
Nganate said he was waiting for official reports to be submitted to his office before pronouncing himself on the matter.
“I cannot express myself now,” he said. He, however, called for calm and asked the inhabitants of his region to familiarise themselves with what was being proposed.
“I want people to familiarise themselves with the method before we jump to conclusions. We should stop panicking.”
According to him, government will not approve a mining method that may threaten the environment.
Gobabis-Aranos road
Meanwhile, Nganate asked for patience regarding construction work on the Gobabis-Aranos road.
“Progress is slow, but I believe it is due to the economic situation. It is understandable that progress is slow. I wish it could go faster, but we have to make do with what we have.”
The N$1.2 billion project was initially due for completion last year. Section A from Gobabis to Onderompaba was completed in March 2018. The construction of Section B - from Onderombapa to Aranos via Aminuis - commenced in October 2019, and was expected to be completed in December 2021.
The Roads Authority commenced with upgrading the 226-kilometre road in 2013.
Green light
“I am for it; I’m giving it the green light. I propose that people opposing this must bring their expert and present the evidence so that we can discuss this and take away emotions,” Kavaka said.
According to him, evidence presented in Kazakhstan showed there was no apparent risk the proposed mining method would contaminate groundwater resources.
“Going by the mines we visited, by the look of things, it is environmentally friendly.
“There will not be groundwater pollution. The ore is from 500 metres to 700 metres [deep], the water is above that. There is no way the water will be polluted,” he said.
Nganate said he was waiting for official reports to be submitted to his office before pronouncing himself on the matter.
“I cannot express myself now,” he said. He, however, called for calm and asked the inhabitants of his region to familiarise themselves with what was being proposed.
“I want people to familiarise themselves with the method before we jump to conclusions. We should stop panicking.”
According to him, government will not approve a mining method that may threaten the environment.
Gobabis-Aranos road
Meanwhile, Nganate asked for patience regarding construction work on the Gobabis-Aranos road.
“Progress is slow, but I believe it is due to the economic situation. It is understandable that progress is slow. I wish it could go faster, but we have to make do with what we have.”
The N$1.2 billion project was initially due for completion last year. Section A from Gobabis to Onderompaba was completed in March 2018. The construction of Section B - from Onderombapa to Aranos via Aminuis - commenced in October 2019, and was expected to be completed in December 2021.
The Roads Authority commenced with upgrading the 226-kilometre road in 2013.
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