WILBERFORCE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (WJSS)
ISSN: 2504 – 9232
Volume 10, No. 1, March, 2025
Pages 1-16
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/5202.01.0110
DEARTH OF DEVELOPMENT: OIL EXPLORATION IN EAST AFRICA THREATENING THE NILE WATER RESOURCES
MAHLAKENG KHOSI MAHLAKENG AND ‘MATHUSO MAKHABANE
Abstract
The world depends on oil resources for a multitude of uses. Even as alternative energy sources are being developed, reliance on oil will remain very high for many decades. However, impacts of oil field activities have devastating effects on water resources. When oil is explored in water scarce areas, the water resources become stressed. It is sufficient to argue that countries currently developing oil exploration projects are doing so in response to pressures from population growth and economic development. However, the social and environmental implications for the inhabitants associated with these projects are far greater than the potential expected. These projects have been responsible for displacing communities, affecting a habitat of a diverse variety of animals and affecting the quality and quantity of fresh water resources. Few studies have been carried out to determine the potential impact of oil and gas production on surface water. Therefore, the environmental consequences of oil exploration, transportation, and use have to be carefully scrutinized, in particular with respect to water.
Keywords: Uganda, East Africa, oil exploration, water resources, Nile River basin