South Sudan to launch first-ever Geological Data Centre
The Ministry of Petroleum is expected to launch the country’s first-ever Geological Data Centre (GDC).
This was announced by the Ministry of Petroleum’s Undersecretary, Eng. Awou Daniel Chuang, during a visit to the construction site yesterday.
Addressing the journalists at the building site, Eng. Chuang described the centre as a significant milestone for the country and the region once it is opened.
“South Sudan has lacked a geological data centre to gather and preserve its data and information since independence.” This GDC will be one of the most essential facilities in the area,” Eng. Chuang said.
He said the facility shall be used for gathering essential data and information on carbon, minerals, and other geo-scientific data and information that underpins the existing scientific record to make it accessible for future use.
The undersecretary hinted that the centre will benefit the investors looking for minerals and carbons as it will provide highly specialised information based on specific data.
Eng. Chuang said having access to reliable data from a centre like this will always encourage investors to the country. He said the centre will also benefit students, especially those who are doing scientific research.
“The South Sudan Geological Data Centre will be highly significant to the ministries of petroleum and mining since the data centre service is intended to own the country’s geological data.”
As South Sudan prepares to manage its data, he believes it is time for the government to put in place measures that will help the country progress correctly.
According to Eng Chuang, the petroleum ministry has already purchased three planes: one for carbon mapping and the other two for crop casting, particularly in oil-producing areas.
“We are delighted to inspect the South Sudan Geological Data Centre, which is going to be run by the petroleum ministry.” So, today’s visit is to see the building’s final stages, which, as you can see, are already finished.”
“From here, I am going to report to the minister that the work has been completed 100 per cent, and from there, we have the plans to open it officially,” Chuang stated.
Mayik Kornelio Koriom, the managing director of National Engineering and Logistic Construction Company, said the geological data centre construction cost $3.7 million.
He claimed that the construction was well-built and standard, stressing that it is one of the country’s most durable structures.
“Most building materials in this house were imported from outside, and with the tests that were done on them, that will tell us that the building was well constructed, standard, and secure,” he claimed.
