Oil 'polluting South Sudan water' [View All]

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A German aid agency has accused an oil consortium in southern Sudan of contaminating water supplies, affecting at least 300,000 people in Unity State.

The group, Sign of Hope, said tests found life-threatening metals in wells near two major oil fields.

It said it had passed the findings to the government and the consortium.

The White Nile Petroleum Operating Company says protecting water quality is a priority and it has built a water treatment plant for the community.

But it could not be reached to comment directly on the allegations.

Sign of Hope said it did the tests by Mala and Thar Jath oil fields after local villagers complained the water tasted salty and had been making them sick.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8363024.stm