BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY —bSamaritan’s Purse International partnering with the Liberia Aviation Authority and the Nimba County Administration has announced the commencement of Sanniquellie Airstrip rehabilitation — marking a significant step forward in boosting local economic.
The disclosure was made (today) Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the airstrip renovation works in Sanniquellie, Nimba County. The runway airstrip upgrade was planned early this year (2025) after a successful assessment by the Nimba County Administration, Samaritan’s Purse International, and the government of Liberia.
With funding from Samaritan’s Purse International, the estimated cost of the rehabilitation works is put at over $30, 000 United States Dollars. This milestone marks a crucial step in ensuring the operational stability of the airstrip abandoned decades ago.
Meanwhile, the Jungle Water Group of Company won the bid to carry out site clearing for two weeks — setting the stage for expert engineers from Samaritan’s Purse International to kickstart the runway alpha pavement works, which is expected to last for six months.
Addressing the groundbreaking event when he was traditionally welcomed with kola nut by chiefs and elders, Samaritan’s Purse International Country Director, Chapman T. Magagula reaffirmed the organization’s long-term commitment to the people of Nimba. “When God put it in our hearts that we should turn towards the people of Nimba and help too, we obeyed,” he declared. “This kola we are eating signifies the warm welcome we are receiving in this great County of Nimba.
Magagula noted that the project reflects the organization’s global mission to provide practical relief in Jesus’ name: “We do this to express the love of Christ. It is one thing to say you love somebody, but it is another thing to show them. Nimba is going to go high because God is revisiting this county.”
Also speaking, Samaritan’s Purse International Program Director for Aviation, Kris Stroop said the project represents a fulfilment of their mission which, among other things focuses on giving and strengthening institutions.
He said it’s another way of ministering so that through their works, others can see the lights and get transformed. Kris Stroop, a pilot with Samaritan’s Purse, shared his excitement about the aviation revival. “When people need help, they need it quickly—and aviation brings speed,” he said. “This airstrip will bring supplies and people from Monrovia much faster. I’m excited to be part of that.”
For his part, the Deputy Managing Director for Operations of the Liberia Aviation Authority, Mark Egon Kuiah thanked Samaritan’s Purse International and the Nimba County leadership for their respective roles, urging the local authorities to create more awareness amongst the local population on safety issues surrounding the ongoing works and aviation operations.
Mr. Kuiah at the same time delivered strong remarks on behalf of Liberia Aviation Authority, emphasizing community involvement, safety consciousness, and appreciation for Samaritan’s Purse’s support.
“I am inspired by the brilliant speeches that everybody made, but pointing out to one of the Superintendent, she has expressed her vision for this county, and it is in line with what we are all thinking of at the Liberia Aviation Authority,” he said.
The LAA Deputy Managing Director for Operations noted that the airstrip development is aligned with a broader national plan to relaunch domestic aviation services. “Given the fact that we just concluded our county tour on the development of the airstrips within the county to restart domestic flights, this is in line with our development.” He extended gratitude to Samaritan’s Purse, highlighting the organization’s consistent support for aviation development in Liberia.
“We want to say again a big thank you to Samaritan’s Purse. This is not a strange news to us. Samaritan’s Purse has been very active in the improvement of aviation in Liberia. You guys have gone to Lofa and done a lot there with the airstrip. Now you’re coming here.” As construction begins, the LAA official stressed that the community has a key role in maintaining aviation safety and awareness. “The community has a responsibility for this development, so I just want to caution us—that is, we are all happy for this development—we have a responsibility. Aviation is no joke. Aircraft landing and picking up air, the community has to be ‘conscientized’ of how the movement should be carried out around this perimeter.”
“All those things will be given to the community to get educated about aviation in this area, especially the fact that it’s new to your vicinity. So we say thank you so much. If we didn’t have the support of the community, this wouldn’t be possible.”
He further acknowledged the vision and selflessness of Samaritan’s Purse. “Thank you, Samaritan’s Purse, for the vision. You could have done your humanitarian work without doing the airport, but because you support the Government of Liberia, you see it fit to be able to do this for us. We appreciate that so much.”
Looking ahead, the LAA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the airstrip meets both national and international aviation standards. “We say thank you to the people of Nimba. We will be with this project. We as the Liberia Airport Authority, we have a responsibility to make sure that you don’t only have an airstrip, but you have an airstrip that meets international standard or aviation standard.” Also speaking, Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono described the groundbreaking of the Sanniquellie Airstrip as a transformational moment for the county, thanking Samaritan’s Purse for what she called a demonstration of Christian love through action.
Supt. Gono said that the project represents the determination of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ARREST agenda to deliver the dividend of democracy to the citizens. Speaking during the ceremony, Superintendent Gono highlighted her dream with Samaritan’s Purse to revive domestic air travel in Nimba, emphasizing that the project had been “a long time coming.” “This is more than just an airstrip—it is an investment in the aspirations of our people,” she stated. “When children see helicopters or planes flying into their community, it inspires them to dream bigger. They begin to believe that becoming a pilot, an engineer, or a leader in aviation is possible.”
Supt. Gono highlighted the broader impact of Samaritan’s Purse International in Nimba County, including their work in prison rehabilitation, sewage systems, women’s empowerment, and school feeding programs. She then praised the organization for its continued presence and commitment to improving lives at the grassroots level. The Superintendent also acknowledged the local community’s support, noting that residents in Sanniquellie willingly dismantled structures to make way for the project without resistance.
“That kind of cooperation speaks volumes about the people of Nimba,” she said. “They are development-minded and understand the importance of progress.”
She further praised the Liberia Aviation Authority (LAA) for helping navigate the government processes to support the project and acknowledged the backing of the President, the Nimba Legislative Caucus, and traditional and local leaders. “Under the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia is regaining investor confidence and moving in the right direction,” Gono said.
Before concluding, the Superintendent announced plans to include the construction of a proper passenger waiting area and terminal facility as part of next year’s county development resolution. “We are committed to ensuring that this is not just a temporary airstrip, but a lasting infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing county,” she affirmed.
The ceremony, which drew traditional leaders, government officials, church leaders, and community members, was not only a celebration of infrastructure but a testimony of faith and transformation.
Superintendent Gono emphasized the broader goal: “Together we will shine the light of Christianity. Our Christianity is mission-based—‘For God so loved the world, He gave.’ You are following His great example.”
Airstrip comes with undeniable impact on the economic landscape of local communities, functioning as powerful economic drivers that contribute to job creation, business attraction, and infrastructure development. It is crucial for tourism — facilitating access to remote or less accessible destinations and boosting overall tourism numbers. When rehabilitation works are completed, the airstrip will provide a convenient and time-saving transportation option, making destinations more attractive to potential tourists. Notably, the airstrip will supports local economy in the county by generating jobs and revenue for businesses related to tourism and air travel.
Making destinations more accessible, the airstrip encourages more people to visit — boosting tourism and leading to increased revenue for local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
Air travel is generally faster and can be more cost-effective than road travel, especially for long distances or in areas with poor road conditions — making a destination more appealing to tourists who are looking for efficient and comfortable travel options.
The Sanniquellie Airstrip is expected to provide significant economic and social benefits — facilitate tourism, trade, connectivity, generate economic growth, provide jobs, improve living standards, alleviate poverty, provide a lifeline for remote communities and enable a rapid response when disasters occur. The landmark groundbreaking ceremony underscored the project’s significance, attended by high-level delegation including Samaritan’s Purse International Program Director, Kris Stroop, Liberia Aviation Authority Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Egon Kuiah, Nimba County Administration, Chiefs and Elders Council of Nimba, jubilant citizens, and the media.
