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Researchers say their findings on the socio-economic impact of offshore oil and gas activities on South Africa, are unlikely to have positive effects.
The findings were released by environmental justice organisation, The Green Connection.
Economic researcher, Gillian Hamilton, says drilling on our coastline will not be economically viable. She added that there’s little evidence from elsewhere in Africa that oil and gas resources lead to an improvement in the lives of those living and working in these areas.
“This means that our economy won’t grow. It definitely won’t create more jobs and there are huge negative impacts that are usually localized near the extraction sites. This means that for those of you living in Mossel Bay and along the Western Cape coast, you should expect to see your way of life-changing for the worst, including seeing the cost of living increasing. More than that South African taxpayers will be stuck with more national debt to pay off.”
