By Ebi Kesiena
Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, One of Africa’s premier wildlife areas has been targeted for oil exploration.
According to a notice in the Zimbabwean Government Gazette, Shalom Mining has applied to explore for oil and gas in Mana Pools, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Mana Pools lies on the southern bank of the Zambezi River that serves as the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The river braids across a flood plain, attracting wildlife and serving as the site of a number of luxury lodges that charge $1 000 a night. The heritage site covers 676 600 hectares, spanning the Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari areas.
Describing the site UNESCO notes that “the area is home to a remarkable concentration of wild animals, including elephants, buffalo, leopards and cheetahs. On the banks of the Zambezi, great cliffs overhang the river and the floodplains ”
Shalom has applied for an exploration license over an area of 130 000 hectares and any objections will need to be lodged by 19 May, the Mining Affairs Board said in the notice.
Shalom is a Zimbabwean company with Pfungwa Kunaka as chairman of the board.
