Western Equatoria cabinet approves Yambio Airstrip renovation plans

YAMBIO – The Council of Ministers in Western Equatoria State has approved about $4000 for renovation works at Yambio Airstrip, as part of efforts to improve basic infrastructure at the facility.

The decision was made during the third regular meeting of the state Council of Ministers held on Friday and chaired by Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s office, the cabinet deliberated on eight agenda items during the meeting, with two of them deferred for further consideration.

Among the key approvals was a request amounting to 26,653,370 South Sudanese Pounds (approximately $4,000) to support renovation works at the airstrip.

The funds will be used to renovate the VIP lounge block, refurbish pit latrines, and construct new fencing around the facility.

The proposal was presented to the council by the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Elia Richard Box. Cabinet members unanimously endorsed the request, authorising the minister to proceed with the implementation of the works.

Officials say the improvements are intended to upgrade the condition of the airstrip, which serves as an important air transport link for the state capital, Yambio, and surrounding areas.

The council also reviewed a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment concerning the allocation of 450,000 hectares of land for agricultural development in the state. The initiative seeks to attract investors to expand agricultural production in Western Equatoria, widely considered one of South Sudan’s most fertile regions.

However, the cabinet postponed a final decision on the proposal after ministers raised concerns regarding cooperative housing arrangements, land allocation procedures, and the involvement of local government authorities.

The council resolved that two additional memos addressing these concerns will be tabled during the next meeting before the proposal can be fully considered.

Another item deferred during the meeting was a report from the state’s Economic Cluster regarding the handover of revenue collection to the Civil Aviation Office under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges.

The governor’s office described the meeting as productive, noting that ministers approved all actionable proposals while referring other matters for further review as the state government continues to pursue development and administrative reforms.