Oil firms must consider local community interest – Jonglei governor

Sept 20, 2006 (NAIROBI) — The Governor of Jonglei State said any company that is involved in oil exploration in the area must take into account the interests of the local community.

Addressing a community gathering in Nairobi last Thursday, Philip Thon Leek said he will ensure that the oil companies will compensate displaced local communities as a result of oil exploration and development.

The Governor said his administration will enforce tough rules on oil companies to prevent environmental pollution.

Regarding the resumption of the digging of the Jonglei Canal, Thon said he has no official information about the project, Sudan Radio Service reported.

“When Jonglei Canal was being done we were promised heaven on earth. And I have been telling the oil companies I have once been deceived, as long as I am the Governor of Jonglei state I will not be deceived again. I am ready to mobilize people with sticks to stop it, as well as I will mobilize the people to stop the oil companies if they don’t ensure that the environment is protected and if they don’t give social development to the communities before the oil flows.” Thon said.

The White Nile, a UK-based oil company and ASCOM, South Africa-based oil companies are the only two companies exploring oil in Jonglei State.

(SRS/ST)