Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 4 hours ago
Wau Airport | Courtesy
The National Ministry of Transport has announced plans to extend the runway at Wau Airport as part of efforts to upgrade the facility to international standards.
Western Bahr el Ghazal State Minister of Roads and Bridges, Julio Bensencio Mangu, told Wau-based Voice of Hope radio on Wednesday that the plan followed a recent visit to Wau by the Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Transportation.
He said the visit focused on discussions about extending the airport runway and improving the overall infrastructure.
According to Minister Mangu, consultations with the National Minister of Transportation resulted in a decision to elevate Wau Airport to international status, allowing direct flights between Wau and other countries.
He added that the upgrade is expected to help reduce congestion at Juba International Airport.
Mangu described Wau Airport as one of South Sudan’s key aviation facilities and said it is being positioned as a strategic alternative to Juba.
He noted that the current runway is too short and will be extended to five kilometres to accommodate larger aircraft.
The planned upgrade also includes the construction of new passenger terminal buildings for both arrivals and departures.
The minister further raised safety concerns over the movement of people and animals within the airport premises, saying plans are underway to renovate the airport fence to improve security.
He added that some residents living near the airport will need to be relocated to make way for the runway extension.
Minister Mangu assured the public that once completed, the improvements, especially the new passenger terminals, will significantly enhance the travel experience at Wau Airport.
