SOUTH Africa favours gas exploration in the Karoo but wants information on job creation, environment and electricity supply, a new survey by Ipsos has found.
"Although most adult South Africans were unaware of the possible exploration for natural gas in the Karoo, when introduced to the concept, the majority said they are in favour of determining the presence of natural gas in the Karoo," Ipsos said.
"Respondents wanted the pressing issues of job creation, economic development and environmental concerns to be addressed in the process. The prospect of natural gas development creating a reliable domestic energy source that would give more South Africans access to electricity was also of paramount importance," it added.
These were the findings of an Ipsos opinion poll conducted last year. Ipsos polled more than 2000 South Africans.
Awareness by word of mouth was higher among Karoo residents.
More than seven in every 10 adult South Africans (73%) were in favour of determining the presence of natural gas in the Karoo. If natural gas was proven to be present, 73% would be in favour of gas extraction.
However, the proportion of those who were strongly in favour increased from 39% to 45%, while those in opposition decreased to 21%, with 6% uncertain as to how they felt.
The study highlighted that job security and job creation remained very important issues in South Africa and 54% indicated that they would like more information on how gas exploration would benefit economic development and create jobs.
Public favours gas exploration
SOUTH Africa favours gas exploration in the Karoo but wants information on job creation, environment and electricity supply, a new survey by Ipsos has found.
"Although most adult South Africans were unaware of the possible exploration for natural gas in the Karoo, when introduced to the concept, the majority said they are in favour of determining the presence of natural gas in the Karoo," Ipsos said.
"Respondents wanted the pressing issues of job creation, economic development and environmental concerns to be addressed in the process. The prospect of natural gas development creating a reliable domestic energy source that would give more South Africans access to electricity was also of paramount importance," it added.
These were the findings of an Ipsos opinion poll conducted last year. Ipsos polled more than 2000 South Africans.
Awareness by word of mouth was higher among Karoo residents.
More than seven in every 10 adult South Africans (73%) were in favour of determining the presence of natural gas in the Karoo. If natural gas was proven to be present, 73% would be in favour of gas extraction.
However, the proportion of those who were strongly in favour increased from 39% to 45%, while those in opposition decreased to 21%, with 6% uncertain as to how they felt.
The study highlighted that job security and job creation remained very important issues in South Africa and 54% indicated that they would like more information on how gas exploration would benefit economic development and create jobs.
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