Malawians Demand MOU on Lake Malawi Oil Exploration

Residents of Karonga have asked government and companies that are expected to explore oil in Lake Malawi to sign a memorandum of understanding with them before commencing their activities.

The development comes amid rumors that government is ready for the process.

In readiness to the development, Karonga residents led by Karonga Youth for Justice and Development decided to sit down together and come up with one voice.

Speaking during the meeting attended by some elders, women and youths at Baka primary school ground the community said they do not want any NGO to enrich itself out of their resources.

“We do not have a problem with government’s decision to explore oil in the lake if they will be fully involved in the whole process not NGO’s as was the case before with other mine companies in the district,” stressed the community.

According to executive director of Karonga youth for justice and development Steven Simsokwe, other organizations have already planned to deceive residents in the name of middle men between mine companies and the community.

“The company must directly talk with the community and fulfill their agreement,” said Simsokwe.

He then told the gathering that his organization expects young men and women to get jobs from the company that will carry the activities.

Mary Kamanga while commending Simsokwe and his organization for fighting for welfare of the community without any interest said time has come for them to stand on their own with one voice.