Unity State MP calls for probe into GPOC waste pit incident

A lawmaker in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has called for an independent investigation into the injury of a woman who fell into an oil waste pit operated by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) in Unity State’s Rubkona County.

Kasare Nyier Gatluak fell into the hazardous waste pit in Munga on 14 September 2026, and is currently receiving treatment at Gudele Hospital in Juba.

Addressing journalists on Monday, Malek Cook-Dwach, a member of the Standing Specialized Committee on Petroleum in the TNLA, demanded that GPOC account for the incident and cover the victim’s medical expenses.

“First, GPOC must immediately cover all medical expenses of Kasare Nyier Gatluak at Gudele Hospital and for any further treatment required until full recovery, and must provide fair compensation to the victim and family,” he said.

The lawmaker further called on the company to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the incident and cooperate with an independent investigation.

“When a community that has suffered so much still sees its people fall into unprotected or poorly managed waste pits, we can no longer call it an accident. It is a pattern of neglect that this Assembly must confront,” he said.

Cook-Dwach urged the Ministry of Petroleum, together with relevant environmental authorities, to conduct an urgent audit of oil waste ponds and pits across Unity State and the Ruweng Administrative Area. He said the inspection should cover facilities operated by GPOC, Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC) and other oil companies, starting with the Munga site.

“Every unsafe facility must be secured, remediated or closed within a defined timeline,” he said.

The MP further demanded that oil companies secure waste ponds and pits with perimeter fencing, warning signs, controlled access and lighting where necessary.

He also called for hazardous facilities to be kept away from villages, roads and grazing routes, or otherwise made inaccessible to people and livestock.

According to Cook-Dwach, oil companies should also conduct environmental and social impact assessments and regular safety audits, with the findings shared with government authorities, parliament and host communities.

He said operators must maintain emergency response and rescue systems and take responsibility for the medical costs and compensation of people affected by operational hazards.

The MP also called for greater investment in host communities through water, healthcare, education, roads and livelihood programmes, as well as increased local employment and local content.

Cook-Dwach said the Standing Specialized Committee on Petroleum will summon responsible government officials and company representatives to appear before the Assembly and report its findings.

Addressing the leadership of Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET), the Ministry of Petroleum, GPOC and SPOC, Cook-Dwach said oil-sector managers have a responsibility to protect communities living around oilfields.

“You are not merely managers of oil fields. You are the watchdogs of the sovereignty of this country. Where you are present, no operator should be allowed to treat South Sudanese lives as a cost of doing business,” he said. “Oil must not be a curse to the people who live above it.”

He added that Unity State communities have already endured conflict, displacement and environmental damage and should now benefit from greater safety and development.

The lawmaker said parliament would continue exercising its oversight role to ensure that petroleum operators comply with South Sudanese laws and safety standards.

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