The destructive lack of consistency

The Namibian Constitution, concerning the environment and utilisation of our natural resources provides for the protection of our natural resources and the right of the Namibians to benefit thereby in Article 95(1) stipulating the “… maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilisation of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future …” In light of this, we fail to comprehend the lack of foresight and blatant violation of the Namibian Constitution displayed by the respective authorities who have disregarded the objections of the Namibian people once again by issuing a clearance certificate for the phosphate mining enterprise involving businessman Knowledge Katti and his Omani partners. Even more disturbing is the lack of unity of purpose and the fact that the “one hand ostensibly doesn''t know what the other hand is doing”. Unless of course this was a deliberate political move by the powers that be to circumvent the one sane voice that has remained consistent throughout, that of the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Namibia is a very arid country and as such, the ecosystems at play are very sensitive, especially the marine ecosystem, which is hitherto relatively unspoilt. By introducing phosphate mining however, this sensitive marine ecosystem will be severely threatened. If the levels of our fishing stocks are affected by phosphate mining – and they will be, then not only will Namibians lose part of their very precious food security, but also income from fishing exports (which are renewable and currently sustainable) and employment in the fishing industry. This is unconstitutional because our constitution clearly states that the utilisation of living natural resources and biodiversity shall be maintained “for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future”. How will this be done if the “living natural resources and biodiversity” is destroyed by greedy businesspeople that only see dollar signs and profit with no consideration of the benefit to all Namibians, both present and future? This short-sightedness and the lack of consistency by government will have devastating consequences to Namibia and its people.