Oil companies operating in oil producing areas should use a modern technology to avoid environmental pollution, the undersecretary in the Ministry of Environment has said.

Residents in areas near the oil fields have complained of health problems due to environmental pollution caused by oil production.

Victor Wurda Lotombe said the ministry is working with relevant authorities to discuss the problems of environmental damage.

He told Eye Radio’s Dawn program that oil companies should use modern technology cleaner to environment, to reduce pollution.

“We need to control the behavior of the companies themselves – how they can improve their technology and how they can get involved in investing in cleaning up oil pollution problems,” said Mr Lotombe.

He said the government must develop regulations and strict policies regarding environmental pollution.

Last year local authorities reported the impact of oil leaks in the areas. They claimed some women experienced stillbirths. Livestock also died in big numbers.