Shameless silence on the Welsh Gas Project
DEAR EDITOR,
Is silence golden on the onshore gas project in Wales? Blunders were made and there was silence besides KN and other paper. Is there a white elephant along the Skeldon line in its creation? Respectful honesty individuals who write in the media have consistently been silent on this project. Are they rude? Two government-aligned newspapers parrot and support the government; they and their agents are also shameless. Two independent newspapers raise critical questions about the project. Everyday KN exposes oil and gas abuse.
On gas ashore and Wales, the tail waggles the dog. The energy czar was announced as the head of a government agency in the previous PPP / C administration. Controversies followed him last time. Does it apply to energy issues or gas to shore issues? Is it economist or scientist or engineer to understand the project? If not, why was it chosen?
The Vice President announced the Wales project at a press conference two months ago. No scholars consulted. No studies were done prior to this publication. When two newspapers raised questions about feasibility, the VP responded two months later saying that four feasibility and engineering studies would be conducted. KN has logically asked which four bodies will carry out the studies. What will they study? How are they selected? There have been no publications or advertisements for tendering of studies. Why the confidentiality of the project and those who will conduct the studies? Is this government very different from APNU in how an energy project is handled?
Professionals, scholars, associations, and rights advocates had scorned the previous regime for its short excerpts. Why isn’t the same being done now? Why aren’t those modesty individuals writing perennial letters in the media or those in government-aligned media houses raising an inquiry about the proposed studies for the onshore gas project? I have lost respect for some of whom I looked forward to their writings. If they are quiet because they expect a job or consultancy or contract to come their way from the leadership running this government, they better think again. There is little room for competence, rights advocates, and integrity. Look around who is leading what and who has been brought back from the last PPP administration. How many honesty individuals are identified? Silence will not buy a government job unless you are prepared to risk it.
Truly,
Hema Lokenauth