By Alan Clement
The Commissioner of Terekeka County has begun consultations with local communities over the proposed establishment of Tali International Airport.
This marked an early step in government efforts to assess support for a major infrastructure project in Central Equatoria State.
In a statement from the Commissioner’s office, Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Loku Lodu visited Tali Payam where he held a consultative meeting with the Greater Tali Community to gather views on the planned airport and its potential impact on the area.
According to the county administration, the visit was aimed at assessing community perspectives before any formal decisions are taken on the project.
“We are consulting the community to understand their views regarding the establishment of Tali International Airport,” Loku said in a statement.
The commissioner said the proposed airport, if approved, could serve as a foundation for broader infrastructure development in Tali Payam and across Terekeka County, including improved road networks and other public facilities.
He stressed that the county leadership was committed to ensuring that local communities are involved in discussions surrounding large-scale development initiatives that may affect land use and livelihoods.
Former Governor of the former Terekeka State Juma Ali Malou also addressed the gathering, welcoming the proposal and calling on residents to support the project.
“The establishment of Tali International Airport requires community acceptance for it to succeed,” Malou said, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation.
No timeline, funding source, or technical details for the proposed airport were disclosed during the visit. County officials said consultations would continue as part of the planning process.
The proposed project comes as South Sudan seeks to expand transport infrastructure to support economic growth and regional connectivity, though large-scale developments often face challenges related to financing, land acquisition, and implementation.