By Matik Kueth
The Governor of Unity State, Dr Joseph Manytuil, has directed the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) to strengthen environmental protection and safety measures after a woman was injured after falling into a hazardous, unprotected oil pond in the Unity Oil Field.
The woman fell into the pond on Monday after reportedly coming into contact with the hazardous site in the oil-producing area.
A photograph of the incident later circulated widely on social media, prompting public concern over safety and environmental conditions around oil-production facilities.
Governor Manytuil visited the woman at Bentiu State Hospital on Tuesday, where he expressed sympathy to the affected family and urged stronger measures to prevent similar incidents.
He subsequently directed GPOC to improve environmental safeguards and ensure the safety and well-being of communities living and working around oil-producing areas.
The governor’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the safety of oil-field facilities and the risks posed by unprotected hazardous sites to nearby communities.
Manytuil pays a visit to the woman who fell into an oil-waste pond at the Unity Oil Field on Tuesday. [Photo: Courtesy].