Residents of Wachakal, a farming community in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, have expressed their joy as the federal government approved funds for reconstruction of the ancient Wachakal airstrip.
First established during the colonial era, the Wachakal airstrip has been a melting pot for foreign and local missions, generally used for administrative, security, political, agriculture and commercial trips around the region.
Elders from the community, who are familiar with the formative days of the airstrip project told Kanem Trust that it dated back to over 100 years and served majorly for medical supplies to General Hospital Nguru, one of the referral hospitals at that time.
But for quite a long time, the airstrip was left to rot with obsolete equipment.
The federal executive council had recently in its meeting in August approved the sum of N6.3bn for the reconstruction and modernising of the airstrip.
The village head of Wachakal, Lawan Chuwai Alakaka, 70, said the airstrip existed even before he was born and that he was excited that the federal government had decided to revive it.
He recounted that colonial administrators, security and leaders across the world had on several occasions boarded flights and landed at Watchakal airstrip before proceeding to their area of missions.
“Notable among them was the visit of Prince Bernhard of Netherlands in 1987 who was on mission to Queen Elizabeth’s Dagona waterfalls sanctuary in Bade Local Government Area, and later the Duke of Edinburgh, among several others.
“Brigadier General, Musa Usman, the first governor of the defunct North East State, was also here and in the late 1990’s during the regime of late General Sani Abatcha, his aide, Major Hamza Almustapha’s aircraft and some others landed here before proceeding to Nguru to launch his foundation. Similarly, when the Nguru military barrack was established, they used this place for logistic supply.
“About five years ago, chemical spraying aircraft landed and took off from here. ‘’
Speaking on its economic advantage, the traditional ruler stated that the airstrip, when completed, would boost viable agriculture and trade in farm produce, fish production of not only Wachakal but the entire agrarian communities of the state.
According to him, the volume of sales and of produce on Wachakal axis alone is roughly between N40 million and N50 million weekly and this could increase when there is more investment.
A farmer in the area, Mai Dala Tata, pointed out that many are happy with the decision because it could attract other projects like road constructions and dams for irrigation to the area.
Mallam Talba, also from Wachakal, said the airstrip could come with various developments.
Talba explained that the project would provide employment opportunities to the teeming youth of the town.
He added that it could also attract investors from across the country who could easily land in the town for business of produce such as fish, tomato, onion and pepper.
“This airstrip is a huge investment domiciled in our community that had not been used for a long time. Now that government is putting it back to use, we welcome the idea and all advantages it may come with,” he said.
Flagging off the project earlier, the President of the Senate, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, said the remodelled airstrip would support the operations of security agencies as well as improve economic activities in the state.
He said it was designed to expand the runway and upgrade other facilities to accommodate small and medium aircraft.
Also, Governor Mai Mala Buni while commending the federal government said the project when completed would encourage agricultural productivity, promote businesses and commercial activities in the state.
The Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, said the project was awarded to reputable contractors who would ensure quality work is delivered.
