British group awarded security contract for Sudan’s Juba Airport

March 27, 2008 (LONDON) — U.K. Westminster International, a security systems group, has been awarded a contract for extensive security enhancements at Juba Airport in Southern Sudan.

Westminster International announced it has received a Letter of Appointment from the Government of Southern Sudan, signed by the Minister of Transport & Roads, confirming the award of a contract for extensive security enhancements at Juba Airport.

The contract, valued at circa 4.7 million USD, involves the installation of a high security perimeter fence which will be protected by Westminster’s FOSS fibre detection system. It will detect any attempt to cut, climb or lift the fence, together with airport surveillance cameras, a control and command system and a range of specialist scanning equipment.

The 21-year civil war between North and South Sudan, ended on Jan. 9, 2005 with a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. A fragile peace has existed since that time with national elections scheduled before the end of 2009 to decide on North-South unification.

The war caused widespread devastation in Southern Sudan and reconstruction is underway. The upgrading of airport security at Juba, being the capital of the South, is a high priority for the Government of Southern Sudan as part of the reconstruction process and a drive to attract international traffic.

Westminster was consulted on ways in which the airport could be adequately secured against a number of risks and immediately sent a team to undertake a survey and feasibility study. Following the visit, Westminster produced a range of solutions and provided considerable technical support for consideration, including additional site visits, ahead of being appointed to deliver the chosen system.

(ST)