Aerial view of the newly renovated Leer County Airstrip. Photo: Darlington Moses.

Leer County Airstrip has been commissioned for use after being rehabilitated by the World Food Programme (WFP) with funding from the United Kingdom.

The project cost 2 million US dollars and was funded through the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The airstrip, a key gateway for humanitarian operations in Leer County and other parts of Unity State, had deteriorated over the years due to persistent flooding.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday, WFP Country Director Mutinta Chimuka said the rehabilitated airstrip will support humanitarian flights delivering life-saving assistance to communities in Leer.

“This airstrip is a change. It’s a historic moment. It’s a historic moment because this airstrip will allow us and others to use and to deliver to the people of Leer,” she said.

She said the completion of the project will allow cargo and humanitarian aircraft to resume operations in an area where road access remains extremely difficult.

Chimuka also commended the United Kingdom for funding the project and reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to improving access to humanitarian assistance across South Sudan.

Leer County Commissioner Stephen Taker Riak Dong welcomed the development, describing the airstrip as a vital asset for communities affected by poor road access and flooding.

“Congratulations to the people of Leer to have this nice airstrip ever in Unity State. People see as a county that can’t return to the normal life again and now you make it and show it to the people of Unity State and the country at large that Leer is a great again now,” he said.

Deputy Director of Airports Daniel Nhial Chuor, who joined officials from the Civil Aviation Authority to commission the facility, said the rehabilitated airstrip meets required standards and has the potential for future airport development.

“When we look at the airstrip itself, the upgrade has met the requirement for an airstrip and for a future airport. I believe WFP has done a wonderful job. They put all their equipment for this airstrip, and we are grateful to World Food Programme,” he said.

He commended the World Food Programme for supporting efforts to restore critical transport infrastructure in Unity State.