The Sunday News
Nqobizitha Dhlamini Business Reporter
PLANS to unbundle the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe are at an advanced stage as Government seeks to improve efficiency in the running of airports and regulations of the air industry.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu told Sunday Business that the unbundling would create two parastatals one charged with regulatory responsibilities while the other would be in charge of commercial operations.
“This development will ensure good governance and efficiency within the aviation industry.
It will also promote the commercialisation opportunities for the development of the airport system,” he said.
He said his ministry had also implemented a number of projects in line with the Zimbabwe Agenda for Socio Economic Transformation.
“The Government has done a great job in terms of improving the transport sector and this has been in line with the Zim Asset blueprint.”
Dr Mpofu said since he appointed a new board to spearhead the revival of CAAZ in May last year, there have been great improvements in the air transport sector.
“The board was tasked with ensuring the growth of CAAZ to support the Zim Asset policy and they have done just that.
They have created an airport operations company which has taken an effective charge in all aviation infrastructures and this has enabled the organisation to focus on its regulatory activities in line with international practices,” he said.
One of the projects being implemented is the upgrading of the Victoria Falls airport that is expected to be completed in September.
Economic analysts have noted that once completed the airport would be one of the best in the region and would boost tourism in Victoria Falls and unlock economic development.
Mr Danson Gomo, an economic analyst, said chances of this initiative being successful were high due to a number of positive outcomes that may result in the implementation of this initiative.
“Parastatals should not be overburdened and it is wise to always ensure business focus and overcrowding has a huge effect on production.
If there is a department that will focus on regulatory issues then it will be for the good of the nation as they will have plenty of time to focus on improving that sector not only the profits,” he said.
Mr Gomo also said separation of power was likely to reduce corruption that is often associated with Government entities.
