UK-funded airstrip upgrade boosts humanitarian access in Unity State

By Oketayot Santo
The World Food Programme (WFP) on Thursday officially handed over a newly
upgraded airstrip in Leer County, Unity State, a project funded by the United
Kingdom that is expected to improve humanitarian access and connectivity in one of
South Sudan’s most flood-affected regions.
The upgraded facility, inaugurated in the presence of state and county officials,
representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority, community leaders, and humanitarian
partners, is designed to operate throughout the year, allowing aid agencies and
commercial operators to reach communities that are often isolated during the rainy
season.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, WFP Country Representative Mutinta
Chimuka said the project reflects the organization’s commitment to improving the
lives of vulnerable communities through better access to humanitarian assistance
and essential services.
“This airstrip is going to make a huge difference in the lives of the people here in
Leer County,” Chimuka said. “It is a historic moment because it will allow us and
others to access Leer at any time of the year.”
She noted that poor roads, seasonal flooding, and difficult terrain continue to limit
access to many parts of South Sudan, making air transport a critical lifeline for
humanitarian operations.
According to Chimuka, the upgraded airstrip will facilitate the movement of
humanitarian personnel, relief supplies, and essential services while also creating
opportunities for greater economic activity in the area.
She thanked the UK government for financing the project and acknowledged the
contribution of engineers, contractors, local authorities, and community members
who supported the construction works.
“We also want to thank the government of the United Kingdom for making this
possible,” she said. “Their contribution will help improve access and support the
people of Leer County and Unity State.”
Chimuka further emphasized that infrastructure investments such as the Leer airstrip
can help communities transition from dependence on humanitarian assistance
toward greater self-reliance, but stressed that sustainable development requires
peace and stability.
“At WFP, we talk about saving lives and changing lives. We want people to stand on
their own feet, but this can only be fully achieved in a stable and peaceful
environment,” she said.
Officials from South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority welcomed the completion of the
project, describing it as an important addition to the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Blasia Akongo James, Director for Air Transport Economic and Consumer Protection
at the Civil Aviation Authority, said the upgraded airstrip would improve connectivity
and facilitate the movement of passengers and goods.
“We are so grateful that Leer is becoming actively operational,” she said. “We hope
to see more airports across South Sudan upgraded to this standard.”
Unity State officials said the facility could also contribute to economic recovery in an
area that has struggled with years of flooding and transport disruptions.
Diaydor Turoal, the state’s Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement
Agencies, said recurrent flooding since 2020 had severely affected the movement of
goods and people across southern Unity State.
“During the rainy season, supplies are cut off and transport becomes very difficult,”
he said. “This airstrip will help improve movement and support economic activities in
the area.”
Meanwhile, Leer County Commissioner Taker Riak Dong praised WFP and its
partners for delivering what he described as a transformative project for the county.
He called for continued support to further improve the facility, including the
construction of a passenger waiting area, water facilities, sanitation infrastructure,
and future expansion of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
The upgraded airstrip is expected to serve humanitarian organizations, government
institutions, businesses, and local communities, strengthening access to one of
South Sudan’s most remote regions while supporting ongoing recovery and
development efforts.