Herders in South Sudan, particularly in Unity State, are facing a dangerous situation as they are forced to drink dirty water from small ponds in the grasslands. The chief of the community, Chilhok Puot, acknowledges the risks involved in drinking this water, attributing its contamination to oil pollution. Nyatabah, a woman from the same community, describes the effects of drinking the water as causing panting and coughing. Despite their awareness that the water is harmful, the herders have no other choice as they are dying of thirst.
Former oil engineer David Bojo Leju has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of flooding in the area, which has exacerbated pollution from mismanaged oil facilities. He describes the floods as a “disaster” and warns that pollution from the oil industry is a “silent killer” spreading across the state. South Sudan’s heavy reliance on oil revenue has led to environmental degradation, particularly in Unity State, a major oil-producing region.
The floods in Unity State have submerged large swathes of land, with about 40% still under water according to the UN World Food Programme. Bojo Leju, who worked for an oil consortium in the area, reveals that spills from oil wells and pipelines were a common occurrence, leading to contamination of water sources. He highlights the inadequate treatment of “produced water” released during oil extraction, which often contains harmful pollutants.
The herders in Unity State are not only facing threats to their livestock due to pollution but also potential health risks for themselves and their families. Reports of congenital abnormalities, possibly linked to oil pollution, have raised concerns among health professionals and politicians in the area. Dr. Samuel Puot, a doctor in Bentiu, points to contaminated water sources as a possible cause of birth defects in newborns.
Despite the risks posed by oil pollution, accountability and responsibility in the industry remain weak in South Sudan. Mary Ayen Majok, a senior politician, has been advocating for improved environmental practices and transparency within the oil sector. However, she acknowledges the challenges of enforcing regulations in a country plagued by conflict and economic dependence on oil revenues.
The plight of the herders and residents of Unity State highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices in the oil industry to protect the environment and public health in South Sudan. The ongoing environmental audit commissioned by the government may shed light on the extent of pollution caused by oil production, but more decisive action is needed to address the long-term consequences of environmental degradation in the region.