Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 63,436
- 88,732
Kigoma airport to attain international status
ippmedia.com/ippmedia/news/kigoma-airport-attain-international-status
Minister for Works, Transportation and Communication, Prof Makame Mbarawa said on Friday while in the region that the tender for the project would be opened later this year.
He said expansion of the airport would allow it to accommodate international flights while also opening tourist opportunities along the Lake Tanganyika West Zone.
More than Sh40bn, funds from the European Investment Bank (EIB) has been set aside for the project.
“I call upon all residents who will be compensated for relocation to immediately leave their homes after the compensation to pave way for the project implementation” Mbarawa stressed.
A statement from the ministry said the airport facelift would include construction of runway extension to 3,100 metres from current 1,800 metres to allow landing and takeoff of larger planes like Boeing 737.
He also requested Kigoma residents to avoid friction and disputes which might delay the project and be cooperative enough to airport and civil aviation authorities for smooth implementation of the project.
Speaking at the occasion, Kigoma Urban MP, Zitto Kabwe (ACT-Wazalendo) urged fellow residents to welcome the project which will boost tourism and peoples income through expanded investments.
“We are grateful that we have the government in power that sees the importance of investment in the region” he said.
He assured Prof Mbarawa that the airport would open up the skies in the western zone as more tourists are likely to visit the famous national parks found in the region which include Gombe and Mahale.
Kigoma Civil Aviation Authority ManagerGodlove Longole requested the government to finance a security wall, a control tower, passenger’s lounge and improve fire brigade services at the airport.
PrintFriendly.com: Print web pages, create PDFs