K3mil airstrip taking shape after 35 years

UPGRADING of the colonial built Erave Airstrip in Kagua-Erave, Southern Highlands, started this week after K3 million was made available by the Southern Highlands government.
Deputy Governor Andrew Kenoa told The National that contractor Civpac Construction Ltd had started clearing the land for the airstrip.
Before the start of work, Kenoa told warring tribes in the area, particularly those involved in a tribal fight at Sugu Valley, to respect development and not disrupt work.
“People will once again enjoy this important service after more than 35 years,” Kenoa said.
“I visited the site and saw groups of people cheering and in smiles after seeing a bulldozer clearing the area, they missed this service for many years.”
He said rural airstrips played an important role in the delivery of Government services and this restoration programme was a step taken by the provincial government.
Kenoa said work on the Gulf-Southern Highway was also progressing well and once completed, people from Kagua-Erave would enjoy the two important services.
“The restoring and maintaining of abandoned airstrips will have a major impact on the lives of the people,” he said.