L-R: Sven Kuhn Von Burgsdorff, Mayom Kuoc Malek and the AU ambassador at the event in Juba. [Gurtong | Misuk Moses Mule]
By Misuk Moses Mule
JUBA, 11 October 2012 [Gurtong] - The ambassador made the remarks during the launch of the project that is aimed at strengthening the aviation of South in a bid to prevent crimes such as international terrorism, trafficking and hijackings.
“We will help in strengthening the aviation in Juba International Airport and we are committed to supporting good neighboring relations with Sudan,” he said.
Meanwhile the head of EU Aviation Security Mission in South Sudan, Mr. Lasse Rosenkrands Christensen said: “The mission responds to South Sudan’s request for an EU support to strengthening security at Juba International Airport (JIA) as part of the international community’s overall assistance to the country,” he stated.
According to him, the key challenge for South Sudan is to establish a fully operational hub for commercial and passenger purposes. He added that improving the airport security will not only contribute to the fight against crime and international terrorism, but also enable increased flow of people and goods, thus helping to boost trade and promote regional integration.
EUAVSEC South Sudan already has ten experts on the ground and will have sixty by early next year. The experts will assist and advise South Sudan to establish the aviation security organization at the Ministry of Transport and strengthen aviation security at Juba International Airport.
Lassea Rosenkrands said that they will train and mentor security services, provide advice and assistance on aviation security, as well as support the coordination of security activities related to aviation.
The project was officially been launched this yesterday and will take nineteen months.
Meanwhile the Deputy Minister of Transport Mayom Kuoc Malek said that in the early days, aviation was never taken serious but due to growth, it has become a major concern in the world.
He added that without security, the airport will be vulnerable to criminals.
The minister also announced that the government is seeking $150 million loan from the Chinese to upgrade the airport.
The loan is expected to extend the airport to three kilometer runway, build a car park, drainage among others.