Somalia: Puntland President lays foundation stone for Bossaso airport runway
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- Posted On 04-12-2014, 12:29PM
BOSSASO, Somalia Dec 4, 2014 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has laid foundation stone for Bossaso airport runway on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.
Italy Ambassador to Somalia Farbizio Marcelli, United Nations Office for Project Services officials, cabinet ministers, parliamentarians and traditional leaders attended a launching ceremony in the airport complex, with the tender winner, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation putting equipment, and expatriates on display.
In his opening remarks, President Ali expressed his delight with the construction of Bossaso airport runway and called the project a ‘flagship’ which will contribute to progress in aviation sector.
On his side, on behalf of Italy government that largely funded the runway project, Ambassador Marcelli indicated that the move has been long awaited and finally the dream has come true.
The tender winner is expected to upgrade and bitumen the existing gravel runway from 1.8km to 2.65km in conformity with code 4C operations requirement.
In late 203, 20 international companies vied for Bossaso airport runway bid under the incumbency of former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole.
Poor safety of aircraft, coupled with earthen runways have long hampered the flights departing and flying into Puntland according to state officials.
GAROWE ONLINE
