The Sunday News
Nqobizitha Dhlamini Business Reporter
THE runway at the Victoria Falls International Airport is now 80 percent complete, while all major refurbishment projects are now expected to be completed in July next year, an official has said.Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr David Chawota said construction work at the airport under a $150 million Chinese fund was progressing well although it was likely to be disrupted by rains.
“We are very impressed with the progress that is being made. A new control tower is being erected together with the fire station and an aircraft parking area including the four kilometre runway which is currently 80 percent complete.
“The completion of the airport is scheduled for July next year if obstacles like the rainy season do not hinder the progress. There are some building materials that do not favour wet conditions hence this might be a major setback to the construction team,” he said.
Upon completion the airport would have the capacity to accommodate 1,7 million travellers per year.
Mr Chawota said the airport would have a positive impact on the country’s economy especially on tourism since Victoria Falls was a major tourist attraction
“Once completed the airport will turn into the regional hub of the tourism industry hence the country is likely to experience major economic boom as tourism is one of the major revenue generating sectors of the Zimbabwean economy.
“The Victoria Falls is also strategically at the heart of Africa and might be used as a transit for many passengers.”
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu said the developments at the airport were impressive and even caught the eyes of a visiting Ghanaian delegation, which was in the country early this month.
The delegation from West Africa was in the country on a fact finding mission to get an appreciation of the transport and infrastructural developments which the country is undertaking.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Cde Walter Mzembi, said a high powered ministerial delegation from Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as the media from the two countries would tour the airport to assess progress before the end of this month.
“We will tour the airport together with the Press and some ministers from Zimbabwe and Zambia on 28 November so that we can all have an update on the progress of this game changing development that is under way,” he said.
