Phosphate drama in parliament STAFF REPORTERThe debate about seabed phosphate mining off the Namibian coast led to a dramatic walkout by members of the opposition in the National Assembly yesterday after Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo refused to allow discussion on the controversial matter.
This came after fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau had delivered a ministerial statement on the subject in which he reaffirmed his ministry’s objection to the issuing of an environmental clearance to Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP).
NMP shareholding is divided among Mawarid Mining (Namibia) Pty Ltd (42.5%) and Sea Phosphates (Namibia) Pty Ltd (42.5%), both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Mawarid Mining LLC (85%), an Omani company, and Havana Investments Pty Ltd (15%), a Namibian company owned by businessman Knowledge Katti.
Despite strong resistance, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism granted a certificate to NMP to start with phosphate mining. Esau noted that a clearance certificate was granted despite the fact that the process of conducting a strategic environmental assessment had not been allowed to run its course.
“There are no credible scientific results backed by sound methodologies to justify issuance of an environmental clearance certificate,” Esau said.
“There are pre-established controls on how the mining is to be carried out to minimise aquatic ecosystem damage. It is worth noting that the clearance certificate indicates that the mining company will establish its own controls, an approach which in unacceptable from an official control point of view.”
Esau added there had been no public hearings on the data submitted for the environmental clearance as provided for by the Environmental Management Act, while the fisheries ministry was not asked for an opinion.
“I wish to point out, honourable members, that if this mining is allowed to commence, the damage to our seabed ecosystem cannot be reversed,” he said.
According to Esau, his ministry was not totally against phosphate mining, but wanted more time for carrying out a strategic environmental assessment to determine the kind of controls that can be exercised during such mining to minimise damage to marine life.
Poor communication
The ministries of fisheries and environment both have come under attack from members of the public and opposition politicians alike for making contradictory statements.
Leading the attack in the National Assembly yesterday was DTA leader McHenry Venaani, who slammed the government for not having an official position on phosphate since the granting of the clearance to NMP.
In response Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila seemingly confirmed that government had no uniform position on phosphate mining, adding that it was unfortunate how the matter has been handled.
At this point, opposition members, including Venaani and Swanu president Usutuaije Maamberua, rose to continue debating the issue.
However, they were overruled by Kasingo.
The opposition then walked out of the National Assembly in protest.
Meeting called
Meanwhile, the Office of the Prime Minister released a statement just before that 17:00 yesterday indicating that a special cabinet meeting will be held on 7 November to discuss the matter in detail.
“The Namibian nation will be informed of the strategic decision taken by the Government of the Republic of Namibia on the matter,” read the statement signed by cabinet secretary George Simataa.