South Sudan has decided to undertake a comprehensive environmental audit of all its producing oilfields. The country has floated a tender to this effect. South Sudan’s Petroleum Act of 2012 governs the oil sector and is aimed at promoting better management of the environmental impact of the sector after years of neglect leading to huge pollution. The Petroleum Act addresses South Sudan’s challenge of balancing developmental needs with environmental protection. The reckless oil exploration in the past caused massive loss of grazing land, deforestation, soil and water contamination, and health issues in and around oil-producing areas. The continuous cycle of civil war also prevented an environmentally, socially and economically responsible management of the resources.
Minister of Petroleum Awow Daniel Chuang stated that before enhancing production, the authorities want to understand the pollution damage in the country and to put corrective measures in place to prevent further damage.
According to sources, the decision is to hire an international independent organisation to conduct the audit. The mandate of the organisation will be to recommend best practices for new exploration as well as ways to repair the historical damage caused by oil exploration.On various interactions with the Press, President Salva Kiir had warned that the government would be taking a stronger stance against pollution in oil-producing areas. Though the government is keen to welcome new exploration and production, will not tolerate ‘irresponsible activities in the oil sector,” the president said.
Tender prequalification documents will be available between January 13 and 20 and can be obtained at the Ministry of Petroleum’s headquarters in Juba, and from its website.
