By Sallieu S Kanu
Despite efforts and progress thus far to regulate oil and gas activities in Sierra Leone, the country however, continues to grapple with what seems to be very serious challenges shrouding the oil and gas sector, according to a new report by the Conservation Society Sierra Leone (CS-SL).
The White Paper identifies weak policies, laws and regulations that should proactively act to prevent oil and gas pollution, as shortcomings currently affecting the sector.
The report shows that National institutions tasked to monitor oil and gas pollution are not well equipped with the required equipment/tools and technology for effective monitoring of oil and gas pollution, especially when extraction is expected to be done offshore.
Understanding early warnings, preparing for or managing disasters associated with oil and gas extraction is already envisaged as a challenge when Sierra Leone starts drilling because they are novel to the context, according to the report.
The White Paper reveals that there is limited Involvement of civil society in routine monitoring of oil and gas activities and associated suspected pollution incidences.
The report documented limited monitoring efforts by national regulatory bodies of oil recycling outfits, garages and oil marketing companies to reduce the current spate of oil pollution on the environment; and limited awareness among the general public on the effects of oil and gas pollution.
“Weak enforcement of laws applicable to oil and gas pollution prevention. This appears to be a systemic issue as it happens with other laws. Conflicting mandates and responsibilities of designated national institutions and response organisations for oil and gas pollution prevention and control,” the Report indicates.
There is also limited evidence-based data on oil and gas pollution prevention and control, and Limited available funding for implementation and domestication of international conventions on the protection of the marine and terrestrial environments.
The report also documents the high cost of oil and gas prevention equipment, communication capabilities and related facilities as a shortcoming currently affecting the oil sector in Sierra Leone.
“Limited political will in addressing oil and gas pollution. Centralization of oil companies: Majority of factories, garages and industries are stationed very close to the marine environment both in Freetown and the provinces. This allows them to easily discharge their used oil and other industrial waste into the wetlands, thus causing serious harm to biodiversity present therein,” the report shows.
Key Recommendations
The White Paper recommended the provision of the much-needed funding support for the implementation and enforcement of international instruments already signed to by Sierra Leone in order to mitigate the effects of oil and gas pollution on the environment generally.
The report also called for the Institution of regular surveillance of the country’s maritime zones, including its Exclusive Economic Zone for timely detection of oil spills and prompt communication to the appropriate institutions.
Key Recommendations for Implementation by National Institutions
The report called on national institutions to ensure that the existing National Oil Spill Contingency Plan is regularly updated to capture emerging issues, and also adequately address preparedness and response mechanism issues ahead of future oil spill incidences on the coastal and marine environment.
It urged national institutions to ensure that the necessary equipment for prompt oil spill detection and response are available in Sierra Leone. “Designated personnel should also be knowledgeable with skills to promptly mobilise response, containment, recovery and clean-up actions once oil and gas pollution is detected. Vessels providing bunkering services on the marine territory of Sierra Leone must be religiously regulated by the mandated national institutions (Sierra Leone Ports Authority and/or SLMA). Companies owning such vessels must have proven ability to manage their own Tier 1 or Tier 2 oil spill response plans before operations,” the report indicates.
The White Paper urges the government to increase investment in renewable energy, thereby promoting low-carbon fuel bunkering in the country; and outline clear mandates and responsibilities of designated national institutions and response organisations for oil and gas pollution prevention and control; institute and implement interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination in promoting efforts to mitigate the impacts of oil and gas pollution on the environment; promote regular public awareness relating to the impacts of oil and gas pollution on the health and livelihood of coastal communities, as well as knowledge on early warning signs and reporting channels; create open space for civil society involvement and participation in routine monitoring of oil and gas activities and associated suspected pollution incidences across the country; support and sustain the operations of the existing national platform to deliver on its mandate; and support the existing Local Watch and Alert Committees established by CSSL in Mambolo, Rokupr, Gbondapi, Shenge, Sulima and Western Area.
The study was funded by Funded by MAVA Foundation through the Regional Partnership for Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zones in Africa (PRCM).