Recent beach protest at Chinsta in EL
Oil and gas giant, Shell has been requested to appear before the Eastern Cape Provincial Cabinet to explain their proposed seismic exploration in the ocean off the Wild Coast.
The Eastern Cape Cabinet says it supports the exploration and suggested that it be conducted in a manner that minimises harm to the environment.
Bhisho spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie says the cabinet wants to better understand the effects of the development on the environment and livelihoods.
She says the meeting is likely to take place next year, as the cabinet has already concluded its business for the year.
"The Provincial Cabinet has resolved that Shell come to the Executive Council so that it is given an opportunity to explain in detail the project that they are undertaking as well as the approach they will be using in doing so," she said.
Rantjtie said to ensure that the Eastern Cape Cabinet duly understands all the "pros and cons" of the project.
There's a groundswell of public opposition to Shell's plans with court challenges looming this week in the Grahamstown High Court, despite the court, earlier this month, dismissing a similar application with costs.
Seven applicants including an environmental group, Sustaining the Wild Coast, are arguing to the court that the oil and gas company has no environmental authorisation to conduct the surveys.
Meanwhile, the Amadiba Crisis Committee, which is bringing the second interdict, is expected to challenge the "legality" of the project, saying that the local community was not consulted.
