Mandera Governor Ali Roba has defended the construction of a new airport, saying the existing county airstrip is a time bomb.
Roba, a pilot, said the current runway is less than two kilometers and if an aircraft gets a mechanical problem during take off or landing, it would crash on houses.
Roba spoke during the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming chairperson of the County Public Service Board Ethila Mohamud and Secretary Mohamed Abdow on Saturday.
"We need a spacious field far from human settlement and, as your governor, my duties include protecting lives and property," Roba said.
There has been a protracted dispute between residents of Karo in Mandera East and the county government over construction of a modern airport in the area.
Residents who have sued at the Milimani law courts and want any development on the piece of land stopped.
They fear being displaced and their way of life disrupted as the airport will occupy a big chunk of their grazing land. They also cite lack of public participation.
Last week, Lafey MP said an airport is not a priority for the people of Mandera, adding that there were more pressing challenges like water and health.
“I want to urge the county government to re-direct the resources allocated to this project to address more pressing issues,” he wrote on Facebook.
But the governor told residents that it was for their benefit since the airport will spur development.
He termed sentiments by a section of area leaders and residents as rumors that the county government has unsuccessfully tried to construct the airport at Wargadud and Libehia.
"There is no time residents of Wargadud rejected the construction of the airport. The project did not kick off as there was a court battle among three contractors who wanted to be given the contract and by the lapse of one-and-half years, the National Treasury reversed the funds meant for the work to the Central Bank, " Roba said.
