Mozambique’s first onshore $20bn liquified natural gas plant project expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and contribute to sustainable, long-term economic growth that will impact millions of people could be transformational for the country, if Western environmentalists does not interfere, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, said in a statement on Monday.
The project, contracted to Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, is facing criticisms from a United Kingdom-based environmental group for the reason that it is discouraging climate change effort.
According to Ayuk, it is disheartening to learn that a UK-based environmental group is pursuing actions that could jeopardise the project’s timely progression, all in the name of climate change.
“This is not the first time that not so well informed radical activists have attempted to interfere with Africa’s energy industry in ways that do not help poor Africans but serve their own interests. International organisations, including the World Bank, and private investors, under pressure by environmental groups, have been dropping support for African fossil fuel production,” he argued.
Ayuk noted that at a time the world was talking about the need to respect black perspectives, environmental groups seemed to have no qualms about dismissing African voices.
“As I’ve said in the past, I agree that climate change should be taken seriously. And I understand the risks it poses to Africa. The thing is, why are non-African organisations trying to dictate how African countries address those risks? The message in this case seems to be that ‘they know best.’ That idea is insulting, and interfering with an African country’s efforts to build up its economy – simply because fossil fuels are involved – is completely unacceptable,” Ayuk asserted.
The Mozambique LNG project represents for local businesses, communities, and individuals a far-reaching implications and potential as Ayuk explained further, “Total estimates that its plant will generate about $50bn in revenue for Mozambique’s government during its first 25 years in operation.”
“I recognise the need to protect our planet and prevent climate change. But interfering with financing for Africa’s fossil fuel projects is not the right path. We must not dismiss the value of projects like these or their ability to make meaningful changes for the better in Mozambique. And we must not put environmental ideals ahead of the pressing needs that are facing people right now.”
