(CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE, TEREKEKA COUNTY) – Consultations have begun in Terekeka County over a proposal to establish Tali International Airport, marking an early stage in discussions around a major infrastructure project with potential business and economic implications for Central Equatoria State and South Sudan more broadly.
The Commissioner of Terekeka County, Dr Emmanuel Loku Lodu, has started engagements with local communities to assess views and concerns before any formal decisions are made. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis by county authorities on seeking public input for large development projects that could affect land use, livelihoods and future investment patterns.
According to a statement from the Commissioner’s office, Dr Loku visited Tali Payam, where he held a consultative meeting with members of the Greater Tali Community. The meeting focused on gathering opinions on the proposed airport and discussing how such a project might influence local development.
County officials said the consultations are intended to ensure that community perspectives are understood at an early stage of planning. Dr Loku was quoted as saying that the leadership wanted to hear directly from residents regarding the establishment of Tali International Airport and its possible impact on the area.
The commissioner noted that if the airport is approved, it could support wider infrastructure growth in Tali Payam and across Terekeka County. He said this could include better road connections and additional public facilities, which are often seen as key enablers for trade, investment and service delivery in South Sudan.
He also stressed that the county administration is committed to involving local communities in discussions around large development initiatives. Such engagement, he said, is important in managing expectations and addressing concerns related to land and livelihoods.
Former Governor of the former Terekeka State, Juma Ali Malou, also addressed the meeting. He welcomed the proposal and encouraged residents to support the idea, highlighting the role of community acceptance in the success of major infrastructure projects.
Malou told the gathering that unity and cooperation among local residents would be essential if the proposed airport is to move forward and deliver benefits to the area and the wider state.
No information was provided during the visit on the project timeline, sources of funding or technical specifications of the proposed airport. County officials said consultations with communities would continue as part of the planning process before any further steps are taken.
The proposal comes at a time when South Sudan is seeking to improve transport infrastructure to support economic growth, internal connectivity and regional trade. However, large projects in the country often face challenges linked to financing, land issues and implementation capacity, making early consultations an important part of the process.
Key participants in the initial consultations
| Stakeholder | Role in consultations |
|---|---|
| Terekeka County Commissioner | Led community engagements |
| Greater Tali Community | Provided local views and feedback |
| Former State Governor | Encouraged public support |
| County Administration | Coordinating consultation process |
