VOICED : Looted and leaking South Sudans oil wells pose health risk

The Jath oil treatment facility in South Sudan, once a hub for oil processing, has been devastated by the civil war that began in December 2013. The facility is now abandoned, leaving behind hazardous waste and environmental damage. Contaminated groundwater, due to waste dumping, poses serious health risks, including birth defects and illnesses. Local communities face challenges accessing safe drinking water, opting for distant sources over local pumps. The war has also significantly reduced South Sudan's oil exports, impacting the economy of this impoverished nation.

What was the primary reason for the abandonment of the Jath oil treatment facility?

• Technological failure

• Economic downturn

• Civil war outbreak

• Natural disaster

What substances were found to contaminate the groundwater near the oil facility?

• Iron and manganese

• Copper and zinc

• Salt and lead

• Mercury and arsenic

What health issues are suspected to be linked to the pollution from the oil facility?

• Respiratory infections

• Cardiovascular problems

• Birth defects and serious illnesses

• Skin diseases

Why does Agar Joke prefer fetching water from a tributary of the White Nile?

• The local pump water is salty and causes health issues

• The tributary water is warmer

• The local pump water is too cold

• The tributary water is closer

How has the civil war affected South Sudan's oil exports?

• Doubled

• Remained the same

• Increased by half

• Decreased by roughly one-third to one-half