Juba mayor urged to regulate petrol station construction

JUBA – Lawmakers at the transitional national parliament have called on Juba City Mayor Flora Gabriel Modi to implement regulations on the construction of petrol stations within the city, aiming to mitigate the risk of explosions in sensitive areas like churches, airports, and markets.

Addressing a two-day consultative meeting on the drafting of the national land policy in Juba, the Chairperson for Land in the Transitional National Legislature emphasized the need for the Mayor to take action.

“It’s time for the Juba City Mayor to call for the regulation of petrol station construction within Juba City,” he said.

Responding to these concerns, Mayor Modi acknowledged witnessing the construction but pointed fingers at the national government for issuing licenses. She noted her recent tenure in office and vowed to address the issue

“I have a relative in Gudele block 9 where a petrol station is being built next to her house. I inquired who issued the permits and discovered it was the national government, specifically the Ministry of Trade. I’ve only been in the office for two months, but I’m aware of these issues and am working on addressing them. I’ll soon issue an order on the matter,” she said.

Dominic Ngor, a member of the Specialized Committees on Agriculture, echoed the need for public engagement to hold the government accountable.

“The haphazard construction of petrol stations poses a significant risk to the community and future generations. Most of these stations are owned by foreigners who prioritize profit over safety. It’s our duty to raise our voices and demand government action,” he asserted.

Dorothy Drabuga, Chairperson of the South Sudan Land Alliance, representing civil society, affirmed the call, emphasizing its necessity. “This is the right course of action,” she stated.

The health risks associated with petrol stations, particularly for children, are substantial.

A study published in the Daily Family, based on research conducted in France, revealed that children residing near petrol stations or automotive garages faced a fourfold increase in the risk of developing leukemia.

Additionally, the risk of developing acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia was found to be seven times greater for these children compared to those living further away.

Furthermore, research by Mshelia identifies several issues arising from the uncontrolled construction of petrol stations, including traffic congestion, fire outbreaks, air pollution, deforestation, traffic accidents, noise, and soil contamination.

Recommendations from researchers include the enactment of legislation by the State legislature prohibiting both the government and individuals from allocating land for petrol stations within designated areas.

Additionally, residents should actively oppose any attempts to convert land use within townships and seek legal recourse if necessary.

Furthermore, petrol stations operating within townships should be legally mandated to establish a central private waste management board.

This board, staffed with trained personnel, would be responsible for the consistent cleaning, evacuation, and management of all waste generated by petrol stations. They should also be required to offer periodic community services, such as free medical checkups, to residents residing in proximity to their facilities.

While this publication has confirmed the presence of a significant number of petrol stations located along roadsides and near some schools, it is yet to identify the exact number of stations currently operating and those under construction.