Ruweng state reports birth deformities and health complications in oil-producing areas

Communities living around oil fields in Ruweng state are reporting deformities in new-born babies and high rates of cattle death.

The residents blame the cases on consumption of water contaminated with chemicals leaking from oil production sites.

The Ruweng state minister of health and environment, Simon Chol Malith, confirms the reports and is cautioning oil companies to properly dispose of waste arising from oil production.

He spoke to Radio Miraya’s Luk Riek Nyak Bol in this exclusive interview.