Despite hopes that a new oil refinery would be operational by Independence Day, an official in Unity state says there will be a delay.

Last month, the governor of Unity state, Taban Deng, announced in a gathering in Warrap that a new oil refinery in Bentiu will be ready to process South Sudan’s crude oil for local consumption by the 9th of July.

However, the state Minister of Information, Joseph Arop Lual, told Eye Radio most of the equipment for the construction was delivered late to the site.

“This refinery was supposed to be launched during this independence anniversary, but the equipment and machinery arrived late,” said Mr. Lual.

“That is the only reason why this refinery will not beat the deadline on the 9th July.”

Mister Arop said a German company is currently working to assemble the refinery in Rubkona County near the oil fields.