The government of Upper Nile state is consulting with oil companies and the national Ministry of Petroleum on possible ways of compensating families affected by oil pollution.

A report by the Council of States last year indicated that residents around oil wells in Upper Nile have been displaced and affected by oil spillage.

The reports also said animals were dying; women were giving birth to deformed babies and children were being affected by drinking water containing spills of oil.

The worst affected people are in in Paloch and Adar areas, Meluth County.

“Our people who are affected should be compensated, even if this compensation is not enough, because human value is greater than compensations,” Phillip Jeben, state Minister of Environment, told Eye Radio.

Mr. Jeben said lack of laws for the oil companies operating in the area have created room for the companies to neglect the conditions of people around oil fields.

Last week, the Deputy Governor of Upper Nile state, Awer Dau told Eye Radio that nearly ten people were to be flown to Germany for treatment after suffering from oil related infections.