Josua Kanuku
EENHANA – The rehabilitation of the Eenhana airstrip was officially commissioned by Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Ndevashiya said his office raised concern on the state of the airstrip during the visit of works and transport minister John Mutorwa to the region earlier this year.
The aerodrome has been covered with overgrown vegetation and its fence is vandalised.
“Trees and grass have overgrown and are now encroaching on the runway, and this is dangerous for the landing of aircraft and the safety of the people that make use of the facility. The fence has also been damaged,” said Ndevashiya.
The National Youth Service, in collaboration with the Association of Unemployed Artisans, has been appointed by the ministry of works and transport to carry out the work.
Executive for commercial services at NYS George Likukela said the work involves de-bushing and fixing the fence.
Likukela further said priority was given to the Eenhana youth as a measure of curbing unemployment.
A total of 24 youth were assigned the responsibility, including seven from National Youth Service and 17 from various vocational training centres.
A budget of about N$3.5 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of three aerodromes, namely Eenhana, Tsumkwe and Impalila Island.
The Eenhana project commenced last month and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2022.