Gov’t launches environmental audit bidders’ review tender

JUBA — South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum has launched a bidder’s tender for an environmental audit for its producing oil fields.

Out of 11 companies invited to bid for environmental audit of the country’s oil fields, only 6 companies were shortlisted for the final round of bidding.

They include Envage Associates Co Ltd, Bright Heritage Company LTD, Panloy & SGS Belgium, Malaysia, Kenya Consult, Cowi AS Norway, Bridge Norway in Partnership with Environ-care, and Optimum Engineering & Earth view.

The country’s Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol said the government will not tolerate irresponsible activities in the oil sector.

“We are dealing with the lives of our people and if you (oil companies) do the auditing wrongly, you will be held accountable,” Kany said during the launch of the environmental audit opening tender document in Juba on Tuesday.

Kany said the oil is not better than the lives of the people of South Sudan, noting that the lives of the people come first.

“We can’t play with the lives of our people, what is important is what we do with the lives of our people when we are here as the government,” Kang said.

James Hoth Mai, Minister of Labor called on the Ministry of Petroleum to ensure environmental protections while capitalizing on the country’s natural reserves.

“We need oil but our environment is more important than the oil itself. Oil will deplete but our area will remain for generations to come and it is a responsibility for all of us,” Hoth said.

South Sudan passed the Petroleum Act in 2012, which was intended to tackle the environmental problems caused by years of neglect when the country was part of Sudan.

A number of complaints have been made over the years alleging environmental contamination as a result of oilfield activity. Links have been drawn to deformities in children born near oil sites.