Officials in Namurnyang have announced that workers have started repairing the runway of the Kapoeta airstrip, which is the main landing and takeoff site in the state.

Last week, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services said it has temporarily suspended all flights to Kapoeta due to the poor condition of the airstrip.

The state minister of physical infrastructure, Mauric Kaunda, says the grading of the runway will take about a week.

He told Eye Radio that this maintenance will make it safer for planes to land or take off.

“We’ve started putting some maintenance in this field and it will start to serve you diligently without any fear anymore,” Mr Kaunda said.

Mr Mauric did not state the cost of the maintenance or the company contracted for the work.

But the Mayor of Kapoeta town, Martin Lorika, says the repair is an initiative of the state government.