The Government of Lakes State on Thursday morning launched the long awaited upgrading works of Rumbek airport to international standards.
The works that include a new asphalted runway cost 100 million US Dollars.The new runway is expected to be operational before July 2014.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, Lakes Caretaker Governor Matur Chut Dhuol said the upgraded Rumbek airport will ease air cargo transport and travel.
He added that the construction works will provide job opportunities for youths.
Mr Chut urged youths to stop idling around or writing nonsense in media and get a job in the airport works.
Sea Step Engineering head of team Frob Daniel Neil the said the contractor has all the equipment and personnel needed to start the work.
Mr Neil called upon the communities in the state to cooperate and help them during the construction process.
Rumbek Central County Commissioner Abraham Meen Kuch assured the contractor and the public that the airport works will go on without interference from the local community.
He said people living by the airport accepted to be displaced for the sake of development.
The new runway should displace some major constructions in the vicinity of the airport.