Oil Pollution Forces Mass Relocation in Unity State

(Rubkona) – Thousands of people living near the Unity oilfield in South Sudan’s Unity State have been relocated due to growing health and environmental risks caused by mismanaged oil waste and a leaking pipeline. The government has moved affected residents to safer areas in Roriah Boma and Budang Payams, both under Rubkona County, to protect them from long-term effects of toxic chemical exposure.

The relocation was announced by Tot Jockchieng, Unity State’s Acting Minister of Health, who also serves as the Minister of Education. He confirmed that residents from two major camps near the oilfield have already been moved about 20 kilometers away from the oil operations managed by the Greater Petroleum Operating Company (GPOC).

“We have decided to relocate people who live around Unity oilfield to Roriah and Budang Payams because we fear the long-term effects of toxic chemical waste,” Jockchieng told local media.

This move follows years of concern about pollution in the area, including a major incident in 2020 when an oil pipeline burst and remained unrepaired for three days after the responsible technician went on leave. That leak led to significant contamination, including toxic chemical exposure linked to birth defects and severe environmental damage.

The Unity State government says it is working with humanitarian partners to provide essential services for the relocated populations. These include temporary health facilities, schools, and water and sanitation (WASH) programs. Jockchieng said these services will be set up under the supervision of the State Ministry of Health.

According to officials, over 30,000 people will be relocated to Roriah, while another 20,000 will be moved to Budang. The relocation is part of a broader effort to respond to health concerns around the Unity oilfield, which has long been central to South Sudan’s oil industry but also a source of repeated environmental and public health complaints.

While no financial compensation has been publicly announced, the cost of relocating and servicing more than 50,000 people is expected to be high. As of June 2025, there was no clear estimate released, but local officials stressed that the safety of residents must come first.

Oil revenue remains the backbone of the national economy, but health and safety concerns are growing among residents and environmental groups.

Unity State is one of the most oil-rich regions in South Sudan, yet it is also among the hardest hit by pollution linked to oil extraction.