Fracking Hell! - [website] Published: 28th of Mar 2011 by: (c) Staff Training Reporter
Sit up South Africans, your carpet is about to be ripped from under you.
It is with sadness that I find myself in what is supposed to be an enlightened era having to address the following letter to the very people who are responsible for ensuring the continued livelihood of our nation. Sit up South Africans, your carpet is about to be ripped from under you.
Whilst our politicians are busy with infighting, clubbing in New York and personal advancement, my children are having their planet threatened. I trust you will all take this as seriously as I do.
To the: PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Chairperson of Committee: Mr Johannes Hendrik De Lange
Secretary of Committee: Tyhileka Madubela
PLEASE ENSURE THAT THIS OBJECTION IS TABLED IN THE NEXT PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE MEETING:
Firstly, I wish to place on record my strong objections to ANYONE being granted
permission for fracking to take place in South Africa. I am deeply concerned
that Royal Dutch Shell, Falcon Oil & Gas, Anglo American, Bundu Gas and Oil
and a joint venture between Sasol, Statoil of Norway and Chesapeake Energy of the USA intend to employ fracking methods in the Karoo.
It is totally irresponsible behaviour to permit this highly risky and potentially disastrous practice on any soil, never mind the water scarce area of the Karoo. The South African losses due to chemical seepage, water pollution (when the country is already facing a water crisis) and loss of tourism and livelihood for farmers due to destruction of a unique ecosystem are just too huge to contemplate.
This, for the sake of possible gas reserves that might last 7-15 years at most. Can you really justify all the risks and proven negative side effects associated with fracking?
Secondly, can you please also substantiate your reasoning for entertaining a practice that is undoubtedly causing much concern across the globe and has been slated as dangerous and unwanted?
Thirdly, can you please explain how the committee and minister can put an international landmark such as SALT at risk for outdated fossil fuel practices?
Regards
Debbie Engelbrecht
Cape Town
Debbie@stafftraining.co.za
For those of you who would like to address this committee, the contact details are:
Tyhileka P. Madubela, Ms
Committee Coordinator: PC on Water and Environmental Affairs
Committee Section, 90 Plein Street
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
CAPE TOWN
8000
Tel: 021 403 3713
Fax: 086 543 6485
Cell: 083 304 9586
For those wanting more background information please check out this group on Facebook:
