In response to the ongoing challenges faced by oilfield workers in South Sudan, a team from the Petroleum Authority, led by Director General Engineer Lual Chol Dak, has conducted a comprehensive assessment of their welfare. The team also inspected the ongoing upgrade of the Unity airstrip, a project aimed at elevating the facility to international standards. This initiative is deemed critical to ensuring the efficient movement of personnel and oil production equipment, ultimately enhancing the country’s oil production capabilities.
During the inspection, Engineer Lual Chol Dak reassured the public about the safety of the working environment for oilfield workers and invited investors to explore opportunities within South Sudan's petroleum sector. His comments highlight an effort to create a more attractive investment climate despite the challenges already faced in the field.
In line with these developments, Vice President of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company, Beny Ngor Chol, confirmed that the construction of the airstrip is expected to be completed by the first week of May. This upgrade is anticipated to play a significant role in facilitating operational efficiency in the industry once it becomes functional.
Kamal Mabok, a representative from Nilepet, emphasized the importance of the airstrip upgrade not only for operational improvements but also for enhancing flight safety in the region. The team's attention to safety is particularly poignant given their recent visit to the site of the tragic Unity plane crash, which resulted in the loss of twenty lives, including eighteen engineers. The team’s visit to the crash site underscored the Petroleum Authority's commitment to the safety of oilfield workers and investors in South Sudan.
The assessment reflects a broader recognition of the need for improvements in both the working conditions of oilfield personnel and the infrastructure that supports their operations. The ongoing efforts highlight a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the petroleum sector, aiming to foster a safer and more efficient environment for all stakeholders involved.
The proactive measures taken by the Petroleum Authority, as emphasized by Engineer Lual Chol Dak, are crucial in reassuring both local and international stakeholders of South Sudan's commitment to safe and efficient operations within its oil production industry. As the airstrip upgrades proceed and the assessment of workers' conditions continues, the prospects for increased investment and improved working conditions look promising for the future of South Sudan's oil sector.
