By rehabilitating the airstrip in the Western Equatoria State capital Yambio, UNMISS was enhancing the state government’s ability to deliver services, a senior state official said today.

“By upgrading this airstrip, you have enhanced the abilities of the government to render and deliver services to its people, as well as enabling the capability of aid agencies in Western Equatoria State to serve the community,” said the State Minister for Roads and Bridges, Rajab Simon Mohandas, during a ceremony to hand over the newly renovated airstrip, which he described as a “lifesaving achievement”.

The UNMISS Engineering Section in the state carried out the works, which included rehabilitating the runway, taxiway, apron and enlarging the airstrip width and runway. The project cost about $350,000.

Commending the mission’s efforts and noted that the rehabilitation of the airstrip, Acting State Governor Bullen Abiatarj said the rehabilitation was a milestone for economic uplifting of the state.

“We appreciate your contribution to us,” he said. “Today, I would like to declare this airstrip opened as an official terminal for our traveling and I hand it over to the state authority.”

UNMISS State Coordinator Ataklti Hailu said he was optimistic that the airstrip would attract more commercial flights to Yambio. He also commended the state authorities for maintaining good relations with the mission.  

“Despite what is happening in Western Equatoria State, I am happy to see the completion of this project on time,” he said. “On behalf of the SRSG (Special Representative of the UN Secretary General), I would like to convey her thanks to the state government for providing us with land for implementation of this project.”

Christopher Ismael, the state director of civil aviation, reiterated that the rehabilitation of the airfield was a big achievement with many potential benefits for the local community.

“This airstrip used to be one kilometre long and twelve metres (wide), which is very narrow,” he explained. “Now, it was extended in width to twenty five meters and also we had maintained apron, taxiway and runway too. This airstrip now can be categorized … as very safe for any aircraft landing (and) I can (describe) it as a beneficial project for our community.”