By Raphael Acheboi
The Kotido municipal authorities have said they have started the process of face-lifting the only airfield available at the municipality
The airfield currently situated in Nakaal cell under south division was constructed in the financial year 2015/2026, after it was shifted from Acholi inn, cell, in central division, however, a few years after its operation, the airfield was left in a dire state, with aircrafts struggling to land
When our reporter visited the area recently, the available structures like the waiting rooms, latrines were found to be in a dilapidated state, with their doors and windows missing, the place also had overly grown grass around.
However, speaking to our reporters from his office Patrick Longoli Ekemem, the senior assistant Town Clerk South Division, explained that the airfield was left in such a state due to limited funds for its maintenance, noting that initially, they used to charge 50,000 shilling as revenue, for every plane that lands, something he says was not enough to maintain the place.
He says in order to manage the situation, they have now increased landing fee to 100,000 shillings per aircraft landing, which money he believes will be used to efficiently maintain the airfield.
Longoli notes that in the meantime, they have already cleared the bushy area to pave way for the filling of marram, as they look forward to secure the place by fencing it
He is now appealing to community members who have been utilizing the area for different purposes such as grazing as well as foot paths, to desist from the act in order to pave way for its smooth facelift
