Cabinet working on Recon PR strategy
Recon Africa has been on the receiving end of criticism regarding its planned oil and drill exploration plans in the Kavango basin.
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
Government will develop a communication strategy to counter any misinformation related to Recon Africa’s operations in the Kavango basin following a Cabinet decision.
“Cabinet took note of the progress made by Recon Africa under [a] petroleum exploration licence. Cabinet directed the ministry of mines to develop an efficient and effective public relations strategy with a communication plan for stakeholder engagement on the project, including constituency councillors, traditional leaders and local communities in the Kavango East, West and Zambezi regions,” a communique read.
The ministries of mines, agriculture and tourism were further tasked to address concerns regarding the issuance of permits and lease agreements.
Meanwhile, mines minister Tom Alweendo defended the development, saying it would help with the flow of accurate information regarding Recon Africa’s activities.
“The ministry must have a clear communication strategy in place to inform the public as to the conditions under which Recon Africa has been allowed to drill. This is in order to counter disinformation regarding the project,” he said.
Controversy
Recon Africa has been on the receiving end of criticism regarding its planned operations.
In February, a public meeting in Windhoek about the company’s oil and drill exploration plans in Kavango turned heated quite quickly when representatives of the company were questioned about their defensive tone regarding the project.
While experts, conservationists and members of the public wanted clarity about whether the company would embark on any fracking, Recon Africa representatives seemingly sent mixed messages.
The company has denied that its activities are not above board.
“Recon Africa adheres fully to the legal obligations within all territories in which it operates. Allegations have been made in the media suggesting that this is not the case. These are categorically untrue,” a statement said.
WINDHOEK
Government will develop a communication strategy to counter any misinformation related to Recon Africa’s operations in the Kavango basin following a Cabinet decision.
“Cabinet took note of the progress made by Recon Africa under [a] petroleum exploration licence. Cabinet directed the ministry of mines to develop an efficient and effective public relations strategy with a communication plan for stakeholder engagement on the project, including constituency councillors, traditional leaders and local communities in the Kavango East, West and Zambezi regions,” a communique read.
The ministries of mines, agriculture and tourism were further tasked to address concerns regarding the issuance of permits and lease agreements.
Meanwhile, mines minister Tom Alweendo defended the development, saying it would help with the flow of accurate information regarding Recon Africa’s activities.
“The ministry must have a clear communication strategy in place to inform the public as to the conditions under which Recon Africa has been allowed to drill. This is in order to counter disinformation regarding the project,” he said.
Controversy
Recon Africa has been on the receiving end of criticism regarding its planned operations.
In February, a public meeting in Windhoek about the company’s oil and drill exploration plans in Kavango turned heated quite quickly when representatives of the company were questioned about their defensive tone regarding the project.
While experts, conservationists and members of the public wanted clarity about whether the company would embark on any fracking, Recon Africa representatives seemingly sent mixed messages.
The company has denied that its activities are not above board.
“Recon Africa adheres fully to the legal obligations within all territories in which it operates. Allegations have been made in the media suggesting that this is not the case. These are categorically untrue,” a statement said.
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