IPC opposes Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project in Namibia

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has voiced strong opposition to the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, citing significant environmental, social, and public health risks. Rodrick Likando, the IPC shadow minister of environment, forestry, and tourism, warned that the proposed offshore dredging of the seabed could cause irreversible damage to the Benguela marine ecosystem and Namibia’s fishing industry.

Likando cautioned that Namibia should avoid the historical pitfalls experienced by countries such as Tunisia, Jordan, and Nauru. He noted that in Tunisia, phosphate mining has been linked to heavy-metal contamination, groundwater depletion, and high rates of cancer and respiratory issues. He also highlighted Nauru’s economic collapse following the exhaustion of its phosphate reserves, noting that profits largely benefited foreign operators rather than local citizens.

The IPC further argued that the environmental and social impact assessments for the Sandpiper project have failed to withstand independent scientific and legal scrutiny.