Environmentalists drag govt to court to halt exploratory drilling off the Cape coast
Two environmental groups, Natural Justice and the Green Connection, have now approached the Western Cape High Court to stop the drilling.
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
- Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
- TotalEnergies
Picture: Pixabay
CAPE TOWN - Environmentalists have hauled the government before the courts in a bid to halt exploratory drilling off the Cape coast.
The court action comes after the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment recently granted TotalEnergies authorisation for exploratory drilling in the ocean between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas.
Two environmental groups, Natural Justice and the Green Connection, have now approached the Western Cape High Court to stop the drilling.
The Green Connection's strategic lead, Liz McDaid, said it's vital for the ocean to stay healthy.
"We know that the livelihoods of many coastal communities, including small-scale fishers depend on a healthy ocean. This is not just for the current generations but for future generations."
McDaid said that by giving TotalEnergies the go-ahead to drill, the government had failed to ensure that coastal communities had sustainable livelihoods.
"We have laws like the Integrated Coastal Management Act and the National Environmental Act which are supposed to protect us from unsustainable developments. And for this reason, we have no option but to go to court."
Eyewitness News is waiting for responses from both government departments on the matter.