Letters to the Editor

Sub-Saharan dilemma: Food vs. fuel or radioactive waste? Or both? In Senegal, fossil fuel shortages are forcing government leaders to explore every option. Andrew Leonard [2007-10-23]

• Not exactly

  I am afraid that they are not exploring every option. In a country with abundant supply of sunshine, and hundreds of kilometres of ocean coastline, people are extremely sceptical about the present government's talk of biofuel and nuclear power. Citizens have questioned why very little is being done in terms of government policy to boost interest in solar energy, which could turn out to be a more sustainable energy source for Senegal. People are more worried that in a country beset with perenial drought conditions, there is very little rain and when it comes, it virtually washes away the parched earth, where food production is far from sufficient, the government wants to focus on biofuel, which could become the focus of agriculture production, rather than for much needed food crops...the list of worries is long. The minister's talk is just an example of government leadership that believes it alone knows what is best for the citizens, regardless of glaring facts on the ground, and not that of a forward thinking leadership working for the best interest of its citizens that the writer seems to hope.

  -- Jules007
  [Read Jules007's other letters]
  Permalink Flag Tuesday, October 23, 2007 04:53 PM
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