Aviation infrastructure needed – Col. Demali

KARONGI - The leadership of Rwanda Defence Forces has launched a campaign to sensitize all stakeholders about the importance of establishing more aviation infrastructure such as landing sites. While launching the campaign in Western Province, the Acting Air Force Commander, Col. Joseph Demali, said the infrastructure is important countrywide bearing in mind that any time, an aircraft may be required to carry out developmental activities, relief or rescue operations. While addressing the provincial leadership, Col. Demali said that the terrain in Rwanda is not favourable for aircraft operations so there is need to work jointly in putting in place aviation infrastructures like helipads and runways in various parts of the country for accessibility and safety. “All Rwandans have the right to government services like security, medical, relief, tourism and many others. This initiative is in line with other development programmes” He revealed that Rwanda has only one Airport and five airfields thus extra efforts were required for helipads to be constructed in as many places as possible. “A helicopter can be used to carry out various operations such as fire fighting and search and rescue missions, but unfortunately, even the few airfields we have need some rehabilitation work,” he said. Speaking at the same function, the 3rd Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Wilson Gumisiriza, cautioned the public to be vigilant against illegal trade on Lake Kivu. “This is one major source of illegal products that enter into the country fromCongo and we ought to jointly work to stop it,” he said. Ends

National

Aviation infrastructure needed – Col. Demali