A Chinese diplomat in São Tomé has said a Chinese contractor will reclaim land from the sea so the airport in São Tomé e Príncipe can be improved by lengthening the runway, Lusa reports.
The Portuguese news agency quotes the diplomat, Gao Jinbao, economic and trade counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in São Tomé e Príncipe, as saying during a presentation on the project that money for the reclamation is already available.
Mr Gao said the work should begin early next year and might take four years.
He said the airport would continue to operate throughout.
Lengthening the runway to 2,800 metres so big aircraft can use it is important for the economic development of the country, Lusa quotes São Tomé e Príncipe Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus as saying.
