People's eyes on New Cabinet, but what about the Oil Pipeline Debate? BY: Reuben G. Panchol, USA
SEP. 11/2011, SSN; Aren't you sick and tired of many proposals that bear no well structured strategy? Of course I am. As a new nation, the government of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) should learn some of the lessons from other counties before absorbing any actions that will shock them down the road. Personally, when it comes to public affairs it is right always to point out the pros and cons. What struck me the most is an ongoing debate of whether the RSS should construct the new pipeline or rent the existing one? When I read some of the articles that had been published since the independence day (I’m talking about July 9th, 2011; not January 1st, 1956), the first questions that pop up in my mind are: how much oil reservoirs does South Sudan have and what's the cost of constructing our pipeline? Is Government interested more on the success of the entire country or the show is being run by few individual that wake early by the dawn of the day (those who hold the laws of the land in their hands)? To begin with, I will first define the word petroleum or Crude Oil. It is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, which are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Bear in mind this resource is a blessing from God and it's non-renewable resource, unlike agricultural practice where one can do it over and over, as long as the land remain fertile. How much oil reservoirs does RSS have? For your information, there are no any public records or documentations published by RSS on how much oil they have. That alone can stimulate the concern of what will happen if RSS built a pipeline that costs billions and billions of dollars, and at the end of the day the reservoirs dry up without reaching to Mombasa where the pipeline is supposed to go. Should it not be better to invest that money in agricultural sectors instead of throwing them into an oil pit that has no guarantee of how long it will last? Oil business is a short term thing, and our people should be careful on how to handle it unless we do not care that much about the nation building. The Venezuelan Politician, Mr. Juan Pablo Alfonzo once said that “Ten years from now, twenty years from now, you will see: oil will bring us ruin … Oil is the Devil’s excrement.” That makes me wonder if our politicians are really aware of that Devil’s excrement which goes along with Oil resources. Constructing a pipeline is not like building an apartment complex or constructing a high tower in the heart of the beautiful city, it requires a lot of work such as environmental assessment, legal (easement) files, political jurisdictions, delineation, etc. I (we) know that most of third world countries do not care about the environment issues, but it is really safe to consider environmental assessment in order to avoid risk of endangering life through or nearby the path of an oil pipeline, be it flora or fauna. The above mentioned could lead to high cost of constructing pipeline. Oil only source of income: If construction of a new pipeline is the best option to RSS then they should consider alternative source of income to run the nation while construction is taking place. We all know that oil is the sole source of revenue to fund the government operation and sustain the live of 8 to 9 million nation’s population. It took USA three solid years (1974 to 1977) to complete only 800 miles (1,287km) of Alaska pipeline (Trans-Alaska) system. Do the math yourself how long will it takes RSS to complete approximately 1,500 to 2,000 miles, given the hostility of the environment and poor infrastructure system in the country. I bet it will be damn long time (even a child born on the same date of ground breaking will start pre-school) before oil reaches Mombasa. On the other hand, RSS will be about to fail, or max off the debt by time, if they're lucky to have their oil reaching port of Kenya. No doubt in my mind that others will jump into conclusion when done reading this article, and quote Matthew 6:34 ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’ But remember, the nation that doesn’t worry about her citizens’ today's affairs is termed as a failed government. My great worry is all about the cost of constructing the oil pipeline through Kenya without time line being stated clearly, and no alternative to sustain lives of the citizens and continue the operation of the RSS affairs. Whether you agree with me or not, the following are my resolutions in relation to debate on constructing the pipeline, or paying that ridicules amount of $30 per barrel, which most people in south Sudan are so nervous about. These resolutions are so simple even Stone Age men can practice them. Do not get me wrong, I have no any connection with NCP whatsoever, that I can vote on their favor, but I’m trying to explore the best options that will benefit RSS instead: the RSS would/should:--- 1. Slow down on oil as source of income and find best alternative. 2. Agriculture schemes will the best to invest in instead of constructing that long pipeline which might not serve country in short time plan needs. 3. Paying rental fees is cost efficient compared to constructing a new pipeline, remember that oil business is dynamic and the probability of low prices in near future are high due to alternative energy source being prioritized in the West; things such as solar energy, wind energy, coal fuel, just to name few. In conclusion, I have discussed the most difficult questions that RSS should look into critically before making solid decision of which way to go which will be best for the voter of the county. The above solution will serve the interest of the country if handled and executed religiously. This article is sole opinion; it is free of influence from surrounding. This is how I glimpse at the debate using my current lenses which I put on base on the field of my practice. Enjoy and comment on it to best of your knowledge. I hope this article broke the monotony of who should be in RSS cabinet, and who is not entitled to the nation’s affairs. Together we can be built the best nation of Republic of South Sudan. Compiled: Reuben G. Panchol, Geologist/Environmental Scientist, working and living in USA; Contact [email protected] COMMENTS, PLEASE CLICK HERE Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author(s) and do not represent those of the website. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
