BLANTYRE (Maravipost)–Malawi government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, has called for immediate suspension of oil and gas exploration and related activities in the country.
According to Secretary for Natural Resources, Ben Botolo, this follows government’s decision to review all the Licences that were granted to companies to explore oil and gas and any agreements that were entered into with the companies.
‘I therefore give notice to all companies that are involved in oil and gas exploration in Malawi to immediately cease all operations in relation to the granted oil and gas exploration Licences until the review that is currently underway, regarding the manner and the procedures that were followed, is finalised,” said Botolo.
He claimed that this will allow government to thoroughly scrutinise and review each and every Licence or Agreement that was issued or signed.
“This procedure is necessary to ensure that the Licences that were granted or the agreements that were signed are for the benefit of the people of Malawi and were done in accordance with all the relevant laws of the country,” Botolo said.
