The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) executive secretary, Phera Ramoeli, during a recent courtesy visit commended ReconAfrica for transparency of their oil exploration project in the Kavango East region.
“We want to thank you for your openness and dealing with us in terms of project presentation and information sharing. I’m sure that this is going to be a continuous engagement so that we are able to learn more about what is happening,” said Ramoeli.
OKACOM is a river basin organisation established by the riparian states of Angola, Botswana and Namibia to jointly manage resources of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin.
The visiting OKACOM delegation consisted of six members: Ramoeli, Tracy Molefi (Programme Coordinator), Portia Segomelo, Reinhold Kambuli (Project Coordinator) and Casper Bonyongo (senior scientific officer at OKACOM). The delegation visited ReconAfrica’s second stratigraphic drilling site and seismic camp for a full understanding of the operations.
As an important stakeholder, the delegation from the secretariat visited the operation to engage the company on its current activities.
The delegation indicated that they are, on a daily basis, inundated with questions and comments regarding ReconAfrica’s project and its effects on the surrounding environment.
The visitors said they were pleased to hear and see the environmental protection measures implemented, further stating that they see this visit as the start of an ongoing relationship to keep the secretariat updated and informed about the project.
ReconAfrica presented all aspects of its operations and reaffirmed its commitment to minimal disturbances in line with international leading standards, implementing environmental and social best practices.
ReconAfrica recently completed drilling of its second stratigraphic well and is engaging in a 2D seismic programme, following the granting of their Environmental Clearance Certificate for this activity.
“OKACOM is an imperative stakeholder as we are operating in an area that falls under their mandate. We are extremely pleased to have hosted the representatives from the secretariat, as this provided an opportunity to foster a good working relationship with this important stakeholder,” said Reconnaissance Energy Namibia spokesperson Mwanyengwa Ndapewoshali Shapwanale.