Activists Petition Uganda and Congo to Stop Oil Exploration in New Blocks
While Uganda and Congo prepare to start off the oil drilling activity in new identified blocks, Activists have petitioned the two governments to stop the yet to start an oil-drilling business. In opposition to oil exploration in the two regions, over fifty international and civil society organizations have appealed Uganda and Congo to cancel licenses for oil and gas exploration near the Virunga ecosystem. With no doubt, the explorations will negatively impact on the ecosystem and the lives of local communities living in the neighborhood. The petition has been backed by several environmentalists from all over the globe especially Nigeria and Garbon. The appeal letter was sent to President Yoweri Museveni and Felix Tshisekedi, the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo urging the two to stop the contract of drilling oil and gas for the good of the local communities and natural environment.
Which areas will oil exploration take place?
Different blocks in the Albertine region have been identified for oil and gas exploration. In Uganda, five blocks in western Uganda will be drilled. These include Ngaji oil block, which covers half of Lake Edward and part of Queen Elizabeth National park, Uganda’s second largest national park. Other areas identified for oil exploration are Turaco, Kasuruban, Omuka, and Aviv. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 21 blocks will be drilled. The oil blocks in Congo are within Virunga national park, Lufira River Basin and Salonga National Park.
What has been done?
Uganda is already securing contractors to construct oil roads and so is the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two governments have a task of balancing development and conservation to ensure sustainable foreign exchange earning through tourism (mountain gorilla trekking and wildlife), Agriculture and fisheries by local people.
What next
Activists and conservationists are now waiting for the president’s responses on which way to go. Uganda government has so far signed Ush500 billion deal with a Chinese company to construct oil roads for the near future. Six oil roads are to be complete by 2010 to ease oil-drilling activities. Besides Chinese, Uganda local contractors will share 30% of oil road construction hence the source of employment. If all goes right, Uganda expects to be producing oil in 2022.
What does Uganda’s Ministry of Energy say?
Amidst the many questions and complaints, Uganda’s permanent secretary in the ministry of Energy confirmed to people that no harm would be made to people and the environment. According to him, enough research environmental impact assessment has been done to ensure minimal environmental degradation during the exploration. The secretary further reported that the ministry of energy has clearly identified areas safe for oil exploration and those, which are not. Also, an environmental sensitivity atlas has been developed to help the drillers know which areas should not be explored for oil.
About oil drilling in Uganda
Oil in Uganda was first discovered in 2006 in the Albertine Graben. Since then over 121 wells of oil have been drilled with a success rate of over 88 percent. Oil drilling is done in the Virunga conservation area (ecosystem) shared by Rwenzori and Virunga mountains straddling Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What can be done in the Virunga area?
For travelers and nature lovers, the Virunga conservation area offers remarkable travel experiences. Among the top things to see and do in Virunga area include mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National park Congo, Mgahinga gorilla in Uganda and Volcanoes National park in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is reviewed as one of the best travel experiences in the world, which attract the highest number of travelers. Also, climb to the top of the Virunga volcanoes i.e, Mt Karisimbi, Mt Rwenzori, Mt Bisoke, Mt Sabinyo, Mt Muhabura, Mt Gahinga, Mt Mikeno, and Mt Nyiragongo one of the active volcanoes In Africa.
Gorilla Trek Africa offers you remarkable trips to the Virunga massif and the rest of Africa at affordable rates.
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