Photo Credit| Awan Moses

President Salva Kiir on Thursday officially inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, marking the completion of a project that took 17 years to build and describing it as a significant step in South Sudan’s efforts to modernise its aviation sector.

The new international passenger terminal is equipped with modern facilities, including VIP, business and ordinary passenger lounges, aimed at improving traveller services and meeting international aviation standards.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Kiir said the completion of the terminal represents an important milestone for the country’s aviation industry.

“Today marks a significant milestone for Juba International Airport. Seventeen years after construction began, I am pleased to officially open Terminal 3. I extend my sincere thanks to the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority, and everyone who worked tirelessly to deliver this project despite the challenges.

This achievement is an important step forward in our effort to modernize our aviation sector,” the President said.

Kiir toured the newly completed facility during the ceremony and said the project demonstrates that South Sudan is making progress in improving critical infrastructure.

The President also used the occasion to call for greater accountability in the management of public projects, directing government officials to conduct thorough due diligence before awarding public contracts.

He warned that weak contract management had contributed to delays in government projects and urged officials responsible for procurement to ensure proper assessment before contracts are signed.

“As we celebrate this success, we must remember the mistakes from the past 17 years, and I urge all officials responsible for public contracts to conduct thorough diligence before awarding them. We must ensure that government projects are not delayed by poor management of government contracts,” Kiir said.

The President said the successful completion of Terminal 3 sends a positive message to the international community and appealed to foreign investors to explore opportunities in South Sudan’s aviation sector.

“The opening of this terminal demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction. This project sends a strong positive signal to the world, and I invite international investors to partner with us in advancing South Sudan’s aviation sector,” he said.

Construction of Terminal 3 began 17 years ago but experienced repeated delays before its completion. The new facility is expected to handle international passenger traffic and improve service delivery at South Sudan’s main gateway.