Environmental and Water Resources Officer in the Department of Irrigation Peter Banda made the remarks during a meeting organized by Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy-CEPA in Blantyre.

Banda said currently studies on whether there is oil in the lake or not are underway. He then said the findings would assist the country to establish benefits and consequences of exploring the oil.

“We need to investigate and know the benefits and consequences, what is happening now is not drilling but it is just a survey. There is no impact at the moment as they use physics, and nobody at the moment is supposed to do drilling,” said Banda.

Banda further added that there is transparency in every stage as Government has put in place many structures and involves different stakeholders including the clergy, chiefs, District Commissioners, as well as the community.

On her part, Cynthia Sinkonda Programs Officer for Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy-CEPA said Oil and Gas in Malawi is a big issue hence CEPA is working with the community to create awareness on issue in the country.