A South Sudanese lawmaker has raised the alarm over a crude oil leakage from a ruptured pipeline in Northern Liech State.

South Sudan’s oil flows through pipelines to neighbouring Sudan. 

 Jibril Tap Gatjiek, a lawmaker representing Rubkona constituency in the national legislative assembly, told Radio Tamazuj Sunday that local residents reported the oil leak at the Rodriak area of Budang County.

 Though the immediate cause of the oil leakage could not be ascertained but the locals said it was noticed on September 24, he said.

 Jibril further said dangerous chemicals have leaked into drinking water sources, while expressing concerns over health effects in the county.

 “GPOC has not yet stopped the leaks, which are ongoing. I urge the government to order the company to go there and stop the oil leaks, because pollution is affecting the local residents, animals and farmlands,” he said.

The legislator pointed out that oil pollution has killed numerous animals in the area. He noted that the community would be badly affected if urgent steps are not taken to contain the leaking pipeline.

Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), the operator of the unity oilfields, could not immediately be reached for comment. The oil company is owned by China’s National Petroleum Corporation, Malaysia’s Petronas and India’s ONGC Videsh.