Community lost in translation over shale gas extraction

TECHNICAL jargon and presentations explaining the process of shale gas extraction were lost on the community of Lingelihle when Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane visited the township outside Cradock yesterday.

Zwane started by explaining the long-running process of research and public engagement being done to ensure safe extraction of shale gas from beneath the Karoo. “The urgency with which the government is considering shale gas as an alternative fuel and energy source cannot be overstated. We are very excited about the prospects available here, but only if we can do it in the safest possible manner. We need to ensure the safety of our environment and avoid any contamination of our water sources,” said Zwane.

He put much emphasis on the possible creation of 48 000 jobs. While multiple public meetings have been held between government departments and farmers, it was clear yesterday that residents had only the basic information about shale gas and fracking.

Given the opportunity to ask the minister questions, very few raised their hands, with one asking the minister to explain what shale gas is and what it is used for. A few others wanted to know what fracking meant for job creation.

Many people then started leaving the tent while the meeting was still going on.