RAK Gas MB 45 Limited, a gas and oil exploration firm, has it was announced that it has finalised its impact study that was analysing the effects of oil drilling on people, land, water, animals, plants and air.

In partnership with Akatswiri Consultancy and Enviro Consultancy, the exploration company conducted an environmental impact assessment on oil exploration in Machinga, Salima and Mangochi. The investigation begun in 2014 and there is another phase to be rolled out. “We have three more years to carry on the work such that after the seismic studies, we will have another environmental impact assessment study,” said RAK Gas MB 45 Limited director of media and public relations Martin Kansichi.

According to Kansichi, the next stage requires buying of heavy machinery to be used for drilling, within a three year period. On the other hand, Enviro Consultancy researcher Margaret Sikwese said the study found that people were more concerned with how the initial project would affect their lives.