KOCH – Concerns are mounting in Koch County, Unity State, as local health authorities spotlight a surge in deformities among children, pinpointing oil pollution stemming from exploration and extraction activities as the primary culprit.

Daniel Gatkuoth, Director of Koch County Hospital, voiced deep-seated concerns during an interview with Sudans Post on Monday, attributing the observed deformities in the community directly to oil pollution.

The hospital has documented 15 cases of deformities since 2019, all tragically resulting in fatalities, with seven females and eight males among the affected.

Gatkuoth stressed that all 15 cases were registered at Koch Hospital.

Despite appeals, Gatkuoth expressed disappointment that their requests for compensation from both the government and oil companies have yielded no tangible response or support.

He highlighted the persistent efforts made by the community in raising concerns with SPOC, the operating oil company in the area, regarding the lack of aid for those grappling with oil-related environmental issues.

“SPOC has been informed each time a case involving a deformed child is brought to the hospital, yet there has been no acknowledgment or compensation from them since 2019,” Gatkuoth elucidated.

Expressing frustration at the lack of action from authorities, Gatkuoth underscored the ongoing suffering within the community, encompassing fatalities, the proliferation of deformities among children, and even the demise of livestock.

“On behalf of the community, we implore the Ministry of Petroleum, the Council of States, and the Legislative Assembly to review existing laws and take decisive action to tackle this issue,” he urged.

Gatkuoth concluded with a poignant reflection on the original intent behind oil allocations, emphasizing the urgent need for these resources to benefit communities as intended, lest their mismanagement continue to pose significant concerns. - Sudans Post