This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
January 13, 2020, marked the beginning of a new era for South Sudan's oil sector as the government announced a tender for a comprehensive environmental audit of all the country's producing oilfields.
The audit is a crucial step towards promoting better management of the environmental impact of the oil sector, which has been plagued by years of neglect and resulting pollution.
According to the Petroleum Act of 2012, an international independent organisation will be appointed to conduct the audit and suggest best practices for new exploration as well as ways to repair the historical damage brought on by oil exploration.
Minister of Petroleum Awow Daniel Chuang stated that understanding the pollution damage will allow the country to put systems in place to prevent further damage as the country looks to ramp up production.
President Salva Kiir had previously expressed his commitment to taking a stronger stance against pollution in oil-producing areas, saying, “I will not tolerate irresponsible activities in the oil sector.”
The country's cycle of civil war has hindered the proper management of the oil sector based on environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable principles.
South Sudan is now faced with the challenge of balancing developmental needs with environmental protection as enshrined in the Petroleum Act.
The sector has in the past caused a loss of grazing land, deforestation, soil and water contamination, and health issues in and around oil-producing areas.
Tender prequalification documents can be obtained at the Ministry of Petroleum's headquarters in Juba, and from its website, between January 13 and 20.
