11 March 2014 - A new apron constructed by UNMISS in the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State capital Aweil was a dividend of peace, State Governor General Paul Malong said today.

Commending UNMISS for its support in improving the state’s infrastructure, Gen. Malong said mission’s staff had reflected good will by leaving their countries and offering knowledge as well as moral and material support.

“With the world peace lovers, we have achieved uncountable projects,” the governor said after inaugurating the apron, which measures 20,000 square metres and has capacity to park six medium-size airplanes.

UNMISS Chinese engineers implemented the $1.4 million project, which in addition to the apron, included constructing a 2.1 kilometre access road and a 160 by 25 metre taxiway. They also rehabilitated the 1,900 by 30 metre runway surface.

“UNMISS in consultation with state authorities and in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (between the two parties) embarked on this worthy project that we are proud to inaugurate today,” said UNMISS Director of Mission Support Stephani Scheer.

Acting UNMISS State Coordinator Numa Shams said the project was symbolic of results that could be achieved from cooperation and trust between the mission and state government.