Mandera (Halbeeg) – Residents in Elwak town will be starting traveling by air from next week when Elwak Airstrip resume its operation.
The operation of the Airstrip was suspended last month following a directive by Mandera Country Commissioner.
Mandera county government through the funds of National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) built Waiting-bay worth 40,000 USD.
VIP lounge, security checkpoints and toilets were the newly constructed.
Mr. Issa Haji Abdi, chairman NG-CDF Mandera South constituency said the Airstrip has been refurbished and its security improved.
“The project was to provide shelter against rain and hot sun to travelers and any person visiting the airstrip,” he said.
Seats have also been purchased and security cameras installed at the facility.
The lounge is set to be officially opened next week by the MP Adan Haji Ali.
Following Intelligence reports of imminent attacks on the Airstrip and lack regulatory requirements forced Mandera South Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Bundotich to letter to suspend the operation of the Airstrip.
The town experienced deadly attack since 2011 when Kenya sent its troops to Somalia to help Somali government in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab fighters previously launched attacks against the town.
The group in their attacks destroyed several Safaricom Telecommunication masts located in Elwak, Mandera County.
Elwak town in Mandera County shares border with Somalia.
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