Eastern Cape Provincial Government today held a stakeholder engagement in Graaff-Reinet as part of its objective of outlining a pathway for socio-economic beneficiation and environmental best-practices to be considered concerning the Shale Gas initiative.
The stakeholder engagement was led by the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Phumulo Masualle, MEC for and Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Mr Sakhumzi Somyo, and local mayors within the relevant regions.
A progress update was also made regarding a partnership forged between the Eastern Cape Provincial Government led by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) to undertake the R18 million research project entitled: Technical Evaluation & Socio-Economic Analysis of Shale Gas in the Eastern Cape.
The aim of the study is to provide on a regular basis advice to the Eastern Cape Government about the scientific and socio-economic findings and deliver a unique and independent set of cutting-edge data to inform regional and national policy planning imperatives.
"The study conducted in partnership with NMMU will allow us to have an objective view and ensure that a responsible programme is developed through bringing on board all the interested and affected stakeholders during the early stages of the development," says Premier Masualle.
"The process of engaging stakeholders is imperative from the provincial government perspective as the full scope of Shale Gas remains unknown to us at this stage. This also kick - starts a series of engagements with a view of establishing a platform for continuous engagement," emphasised Masualle.
Among the key factors of the shale gas initiative is the development of a capable public sector in order to ensure compliance, manage risks and also develop mitigation and adaption strategies should commercial exploitation proceed.
"Promoting socio – economic beneficiation, localisation, skills development and job creation on the one hand; and ensuring environmental best practices on the other is a key component in the provincial participation in the Shale Gas initiative," says MEC Somyo.
The partnership between the DEDEAT and NMMU started in March 2014 and has the following among its key deliverables:
- Groundwater Monitoring and Analysis;
- Gas Flow Leakage Detection;
- Earthquake Detection, Deep Geophysics and Geology;
- Surface and Eco – system Changes;
- Socio-Economic and Sector Analysis.
The project is geared to provide the provincial government with an independent scientific monitoring capability and to generate information to frame its policy and strategic approaches to this potentially massive economic development resource.
"The progress made thus far with NMMU partnership is commendable and the research study will present the much - needed knowledge and will guide our decision making process regarding Shale Gas," adds MEC Somyo.
For enquiries please contact:
Mr Sixolile Makaula, Communications Manager
E-mail: sixolile.makaula@dedea.gov.za / sixolilem@gmail.com
Tel: 043 605 7117
Cell: 072 751 5001
