CSOs urge adherence to environmental laws in S. Sudan
September 13, 2022 (JUBA) – Investors should consider the health and safety concerns of oil workers and local communities living in South Sudan’s oil-producing areas, a coalition of civil society organisations on national resources (CSCNR) said.
“Our message is that companies should take responsibility in terms of local content. How do our people benefit? We need environmental management systems that protect oil workers and local communities from adverse effects related to exposure to hazards from poor management of waste,” explained Koma Vens, the national coordinator for CSCNR.
He was speaking at the 5th Oil and Power conference held in the capital, Juba on Tuesday.
Koma further urged government to adhere to the rule of law and policy implementation, emphasizing CSCNR’s tripartite approach of involving all stakeholders in the country.
“Our approach is consultative and inclusive. We involve all stakeholders in the country. We urge government is adhere to the rule of law and policy implementation,” he stressed.
An alliance of more than 40 civil society organizations, including the trade union of petroleum and mine workers in South Sudan, CSCNR works to advocate for safe investment and for the social rights of the communities in South Sudan to be respected.
The coalition further advocates for the transparent and accountable use of revenues produced from the natural resources in South Sudan for the benefits its population.
South Sudan’s Petroleum minister, Puot Kang Chol said his ministry has launched a competitive tender for the commencement of environmental audits across the country.
“The Ministry of Petroleum, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, has launched a competitive tender for the commencement of environmental audits across the industry. This will help review, improve and strengthen environmental laws,” said Kang.
“On transparency and accountability, the ministry continues to daily report on production and marketing of petroleum products. Currently, we are also being audited as we are also under the law and must be audited by those mandated to do so,” he added.
The 5th Oil & Power conference kicked off with South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar describing the country as the region’s gateway of energy.
(ST)