Oil Production Activities and Community Well-Being in Upper Nile (Melut) and Unity State (Koch) in South Sudan

Abstract

The study was carried out in Upper Nile (MELUT) and Unity State (KOCH) in South Sudan. The Under-Secretary for the Ministry of petroleum, Chaung as reported by Reed of the energy voice in August 2020 noted that total production of oil currently is 170,000-172,000 barrels per day, this is below the projected total of 190,000 bpd. The study aimed at assessing the effects of Oil production activities on community well-being. The study objectives aimed at; to analyze the relationship between oil production activities on environmental and waste management, to examine the relationship between oil production activities on community health; and to assess the relationship between oil production activities on access to basic socio-economic amenities. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. The target population included community members in Melut and Koch, community leaders, employees of oil operating companies and Ministry of Petroleum; equivalent to 136 participants. These were purposively and simple randomly selected. Data was collected by use of questionnaire and interview guide was majorly analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings of the research revealed that Oil production activities contaminate soil and water and may cause devastating explosions and fires; greatly influence on wildlife ecosystem, leads to deforestation, tree cutting and ecosystem destruction, greatly effect on soil and soil quality and or/ texture; and lead to noise and air quality; and other several environment pollution processes. It also revealed that Oil production activities leads to long-term harm to human and animal populations; causes physical, mental, and financial stress to people as individuals; leads to human health and safety risks for neighbouring communities and oil industry workers. It was further revealed that Oil production activities leads to infrastructure development like road network, education sector, health accessibility, led the rise of the national GDP and foreign direct investment. On the other hand, Oil production activities is associated with rise in corruption, linked to forced resettlements and displacement of indigenous communities. Basing on the above study findings, it is concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between oil production activities and environmental management in Upper Nile and Unity State. It is recommended that there is need for publicity, mass mobilization and sensitization on dangers associated with oil production activities to the local community and oil company workers; and areas of further research were suggested.