Dhobley –The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have renovated the Dhobley Airstrip, located along Kenya – Somalia border in the Lower Juba region.
The KDF Engineers have expanded the width of the airstrip, cleared heaps of sand and reinforced the grounds by filling up and compacting it. The KDF troops also cleared up shrubs on and along the Airstrip.
The Airstrip which is important to facilitating transport and connectivity from the region to the rest of the country had suffered considerable damage due to weather conditions including erosion and heavy rainfall. It was impeding safe landing and takeoff of aircraft.
“This renovation of the Dhobley airstrip is important to restoring the transportation of people and goods for this important region. It will ensure a safe and efficient travel. It will contribute and improve socio-economic development which will impact positively local communities. It will also foster peace and stability in the region,” said the ATMIS Sector Two Commander, Brigadier William Kamoiro, who commissioned the renovated airstrip.
Flights have since resumed on the airstrip, a significant boost to trading activities in Dhobley and neighbouring towns.
KDF troops collaborated with the local communities and the Jubaland State authorities to execute the project. It forms part of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities by ATMIS to strengthen relations with the local communities and improve on socio-economic development.
