Fracking threat for Northern KZN farmers?

Farmers and environmentalists are up in arms over permits issued to conduct Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking) in the Northern KZN and Midlands area.
The exploration is to consider potential extraction of shale gas.
The Sungu Sungu TCP includes areas between Giants Castle and Rosetta, as well as Estcourt, Bergville and along the edge of the Berg, Wasbank, Dannhauser, the Nquthu and Vryheid area and into the Free State.
The proposed exploration, should it be approved, will affect an area of 1 500 000ha and nearly 10 000 farms,
An activist in the midlands, Banu Kajee, said ‘these concessions are in the areas where our rivers start.
Rhino Oil and Gas has now initiated an Environmental Authorisation Process, which must be undertaken prior to the commencement of prospecting activities.’
“The Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF) opposes, on ecological health, social, and economic grounds, the use of fracking to recover natural shale gas.
“Specifically, the MCF believes that the risk of contamination of groundwater in an already water-stressed environment is simply unacceptable.
“Despite assurances from potential extractors that the technique is safe, evidence of failed safety measures and resultant contamination is increasingly common in areas where fracking has been approved.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, has taken a proactive stance against the proposed Notice of Application for an exploration.
President of Kwanalu, Andy Buchan, urged members to stand united with one voice.
“It is important that as interested stakeholders we have the right knowledge and the right ammunition going into these public hearings,” said Mr Buchan.
Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu addressed members saying, “This is not just about saving the farmer from the possible devastating environmental implications, but it is also an issue about health.
“If our already precious ground water is affected, the danger of health implications will reach far and wide.
“This is an issue for our town’s people and our farmers alike”.
“We encourage all our members to register and attend the Public Hearings as a matter of importance, the future of our province is at stake,” said Ms La Marque.
“The MCF has been awarded a Global Green Grants Fund grant to raise awareness on fracking.
In collaboration with The Centre for Environmental Rights, MCF will develop and publish resources for use at schools, in communities and businesses to ensure people understand the potential impacts of fracking, especially in the KZN Midlands.”
She urged members of the public to register as an Interested and Affected Party for the Rhino Oil & Gas Exploration Right in KZN by contacting SLR Consulting:
· Matthew Hemming mhemming@slrconsulting.com
· Stella Moeketse smoeketse@slrconsulting.com
· (011) 467 0945 (Tel) or (011) 467 0978 (Fax)
Public meetings have also been arranged – locally in the VA Makhoba Hall, Nquthu, from 2.30pm on November 6.