‘We knew the aircraft was going to come!’

The people of Grand Cess in south-eastern Liberia say they’re happy to see Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) planes again.

According to acting MAF Country Director, Leon Prinsloo: “We’re not just landing planes, we’re opening doors. MAF is committed to serving the most isolated, and Grand Cess is a clear example of how aviation can break barriers to healthcare, education and hope.”

For communities cut off by rough terrain and impassable roads, the return of our service again enables humanitarian workers, government staff and medical teams to reach inaccessible communities.

Grand Cess, a remote coastal town located approximately 370km from the capital Monrovia, has a population of about 3,000.

The area is known for its fishing and subsistence farming, with villagers growing cassava, rice and plantains. The return of the plane, says Mayor Francis Charles Jr, is a lifeline.

Before the resumption of flights, ill or injured patients were forced to travel long distances on motorbikes, unfortunately causing fatalities.

“It’s very difficult for us here,” Charles continues. “The referral hospital is in Cestos, but when the roads are bad, there’s no way an ambulance can get through. We really appreciate MAF because, in about an hour, you’re there.

“Elderly people, who aren’t able to ride when the road is bad, get to travel by plane, which is much better.”

According to the mayor, however, there are challenges. “We only have two people working on the airstrip and facilities. They do the cleaning and everything else. The terminal was built by the community, but now the roof is leaking, the seating isn’t good, and there’s no proper protection for windows and doors.

“There were no flights for almost a year. But when we were asked to clean the place, we realised something good was about to happen, and we knew the aircraft was going to come!”