Govt: Songwe airport to become functional Dec.
By Rodgers Luhwago 3rd July 2011
The government has finally affirmed that the fourth international airport currently being built in Mbeya Region will be opened this December. The confirmation comes as the project has lasted for a decade since it kicked off in 2001.
Deputy Minister for Works (Roads and Airports) Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe issued the statement in Parliament on Friday evening after Mbozi East legislator Godfrey Zambi questioned the government over the timeframe of the airport construction.
According to Dr Mwakyembe, the construction of Songwe International Airport was going on as planned, adding that it will be opened in December this year.
Earlier MP Zambi told the government that it was unbecoming for the construction to take such a long period of time, considering that the construction started in early 2001.
The construction of the new international airport is in line with the government's initiative to improve the efficiency and safety of air traffic in the country.
The country's three other international airports are Dar es Salaam's Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the Kilimanjaro and the Zanzibar International Airports.
MPs from Southern Highlands zone, Mbeya Region in particular, have been questioning the government over the delays in the completion of the airport.
Late last month, Special Seats MP Hilda Ngoye queried in Parliament what was causing delays for the completion of the airport, especially after postponing its inauguration that was set to be done last May.
Upon its completion, the airport would cost Sh 20 billion of which Sh 11 billion are from the government and another Sh 9 billion being foreign funds.
It is stated in various press reports that the airport was an important addition to the country as it would help increase the national income and also attract investors, such as Tanzania Breweries Ltd. who have opened their new brewery in Mbeya.
The airport would open Tanzania for Central and Southern African countries, including assisting livestock keepers from the neighbouring countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, which needs the airport for their businesses.
Reports also state that the airport construction project received part of its funding from the OPEC Fund for International Development through a loan agreement that was signed in 2005 for a total of $4.62 million. .
The completed airport would include an extensive baggage handling system and a 3,300 metrs runway as well as state-of-the-art meteorology and communication equipment.
The facility has been designed to handle aircraft as large as a B737, which means that once construction was completed and the site becomes operational, it would be able to accommodate aircraft, capable of transporting between 600 and 800 passengers.
However, future upgrades to the airport will help increase the passenger loads and cargo.
SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY
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