As a citizen of the Republic of Malawi I would like to share, may be a
little civic education on the subject above. This article is written
without any political agenda, no! But, it is a real concern from deep
down my heart. I am also trying to educate those who do not know the
effects of oil drilling, at the same time, what affect oil drilling.
As a result, Malawians must stand up in unison and put a stop to oil
drilling.
Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa, a home to almost 1000
species. Lake malawi lies along the rift valley. Lake Malawi helps
local people about 1.5million in districts like Karonga, which has the
population of over 190,000 Nkhata- Bay which has the population of
over 165,000 Nkhota-kota which has the population of over 225,000
Salima which has the population of over 245,000 and Mangochi with
population of over 610,000.
Looking at these statistics 95% of the people from each districts,
depend on commercial activities from this beautiful Lake Malawi. Lake
malawi provides the most essential proteins to all 13,000,000 people
of malawi and around the world. It is believed that Lake malawi has
lived more than 2,000,000 years ago.
Oil and drilling on Lake Malawi ?
Oil drilling potentially have negative effects, especially to the
local ecosystem. There are so many ways that can easily cause this to
happen e.g. (A Spill): A spill can cause catastrophic damage if it is
not contained quickly.People in these districts will feel the effect
within a short period of time. This is the same as killing the back
bone of socio-economical to Malawians.
We must think deep and have a vision for our country, ask: the
decision we are making, what impact is it going to have on Malawians
as a country ? Are our decisions helpful in the next 10-100 or even
1000 years to come? Thirdly and most important, let Malawians be
involved in such critical times before the minority (government
officials) make decisions for majority the (government, the people of
Malawi).
If government officials make quick and hest decisions, Our lake will
end up having no value at all, properties along this lake are going to
be of no use. Think of all the resorts, hotels, beaches, commercial,
and socio activities that are taking place there right now? From
karonga to Mangochi such activities will not be there anymore. What
about the people and wild life on Likoma Island, Chizumulu island,
Birds island? Just to mentions a few hot spots. Oil leaks or spills
can also have extremely negative effects on natural environment,
containment failure, run off, pipeline accidents, and direct
discharge.
We must know that no matter what, offshore Oil and Gas drilling
releases toxic chemicals, these chemicals poses a significant risk to
the environment. These risks affects wild life (aquatic ecosystem) and
developmental effects. These toxic chemicals can accumulate and
magnify in the food chain. This endangers the aquatic organisms higher
in food chain such as fish and birds. This can also lead to a long
term chronic exposure for aquatic organisms.
Economically, oil drilling will have an effect on tourism. The money
that has been brought into malawi for the past 100 years and the years
to come through this lake, can not be worth the oil that can be
drilled from this lake. The quality of water as we speak is very
healthy and clean. If we want to move with the world on green act law,
(Malawi Go Green), Lake Malawi is our only hope in reaching such
goals. We can use this lake by (eg). using solar irrigation system to
areas that have no electricity and areas that are hard to find water
for domestic and farm produce use. Having used the lake in this way,
can help us to kill two birds with one stone, it can be an opening to
many job opportunities to Malawians. Mind you, this can only be
achieved if we keep our lake out from oil drilling.
Human and health impacts of oil leaks commonly occurs. People along
the whole lake are going to be exposed to toxic chemicals from
drilling wastes. As pollutants from oil drilling builds up in food
chain, people who consume fish and other aquatic foods from Lake
Malawi will be at a serious risk of health problems. There are so many
diseases out there such as cancer and genetic defects. That can be so
devastating to a country with small and limited economical resources
like Malawi.
We must not only think or look at it financially gain, no, lets think
about our people who live, breath, think and do all their day today
undertakings using Lake Malawi as their primary life saver to have
peace of mind. Peace of mind just as money is a result of what we do
with who we are.
There will never be a recovery or repair to this beautiful lake. This
is a big source of proteins, calcium, etc. A body with healthy and
quality water. This lake is our Gold, let us not betray our great Lake
by allowing these companies from the East, West, South or North
exploiting our natural resources. As much as we are all aware that
most of our natural resources has already been destroyed from luck of
civic education on nature reserve.
Malawians, not anyone else, are the People who are more concerned.
These companies have no concern at all, they are aiming at destroying
our natural resources as much as they can, then leave us with a lake
without any use or meaning. They will turn it into a dumping sink
hole. Please my beloved Malawians, let us stand up and say "NO" to Oil
drilling on Lake Malawi. "NEVER".
Ask them, to go and drill in their countries. They have their own
water bodies, but they can not drill because of the same reasons
listed above. Their countries are still intact. It does not mean they
don't have oil, No, but, they do preserve their natural resources as
well. They pretty much know that. These kind of natural resources
bring about the beauty of their countries just as ours. They are
stopped by their people. So do we.
As it has been stated already, Malawi must look towards 100 years or
more to come, what lake Malawi can bring to it's people. Let us say
NO! To oil drilling on Lake Malawi.
*The author , Allan Ngumuya, is one of great gospel recorting musician
in Malawi
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