The manager of William R. Tolbert Airport (airstrip) in Grandcess has called for increased government investment in the facility.
Charles Targbe spoke of improved infrastructure, and air connectivity that could support development in Grand Kru County and in the entire Southeast.
Targbe said, the air facility needs renovations, additional workers, electricity, and modern maintenance equipment to improve operations, and strengthen its capacity to effectively function.
He spoke to reporters in his office in Grandcess on October 24.
Targbe said, the airport’s two-person workforce struggles to maintain the runway, and control the over grown savanna grass.
He called for additional staff, and a grass-cutting machine to effectively maintain the facility.
He also cited worsening conditions of the windows, and bathrooms in the terminal building, and the outage of power supply as major operational challenges.
Although the government occasionally provides maintenance funding, Targbe said, the assistance remains insufficient to address the desire supports for the facility.
Established in 1978 during the administration of former President William R. Tolbert, the airport (airstrip) remains operational, with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) providing air transportation services in the region.
Targbe said, air travel between Grand Kru and Monrovia takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
He appealed to members of the county Legislative Caucus, authorities, and the Liberia National Port Authority to work together to improve the facility.
Targbe wants his argument to be viewed as part of transportation and economic development priorities.
