A woman has been hospitalized after falling into an oil waste pool in Unity State’s Rubkona County, according to Information Minister Nyakenya Johannes.
She told Radio Tamazuj that the woman was rescued from the waste pool but remains in poor health.
“She is not in good condition, and we are expecting her to be transferred to Bentiu Hospital for further medical attention,” Nyakenya said, adding that there were also reports that the woman may be mentally unstable.
According to the minister, the woman’s hands and legs were reportedly tied after she was rescued from the oil waste site.
“We received reports that she may not be mentally stable. After she was rescued, her hands and legs were tied,” she added.
The circumstances that led to the woman falling into the oil waste pool were not immediately clear.
Nyakenya urged the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) to strengthen safety measures around oil waste facilities to protect nearby communities.
“GPOC needs to take the safety of civilians seriously,” she stated. “These oil waste sites should be properly fenced to prevent people from accessing them and to avoid similar incidents.”
The incident has raised renewed concerns about safety around oil production and waste facilities in Unity State, where communities live close to oil operations.
The minister called on oil companies to work with state authorities and communities to improve safety measures around hazardous sites.
GPOC did not immediately comment on the incident or the minister’s call for stronger safety measures.
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