Lake Malawi appeal
Environmental activist Godfrey Mfiti’s book, titled Lake Malawi: The Coming Disaster, may have taken great effort and months to write, but the Blantyre-based author is quickly learning that one does not need to generate a lot of fire to light up people’s interest in a work of art.
Barely a month after publishing Lake Malawi: The Coming Disaster, Mfiti has attracted the attention of the Wildlife and Environmental Society (Wesm), who on Tuesday asked him to address the issues raised in the book.
“Actually, Blantyre Wesm branch invited me to talk about the book and make a presentation on their anniversary celebration. I actually talked for 15 minutes, thereby giving (Wesm) members a chance to sample my book,” Mfiti said in an interview.
The author is billed to make the presentation on the same in Lilongwe on February 23.
“Actually, we will have a book launch at Four Seasons Nature Garden at a Lilongwe Wesm function. I will give a public lecture for an hour and, thereafter, launch the book,” Mfiti said.
The book is a reaction to the government’s decision to issue licences to Sure-stream Petroleum and Rak Gas to start exploring oil and gas in the fresh water lake.
Lake Malawi: The Coming Disaster depicts current challenges Lake Malawi is facing. These include climate change, overfishing, unsustainable siltation from Lake Malawi’s tributaries.
“This book is a wakeup call to policy makers, especially the government. My expectation is that the book will enlighten them on the dangers that innocent people will be exposed to. I believe that the book will force the government to abandon the project in order to save our lake and the lives that depend on it for survival,” Mfiti said.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
