Minister for Works, Transportation and Communication, Prof Makame Mbarawa
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 from the current 1,800 metres to 3,100 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 in the region for the people to benefit through expanded investment opportunities.
“We are grateful that we have the government in power that sees the importance of investment in Kigoma. I keenly appeal to you fellow citizens to avoid disputes but instead provide the necessary support to the project which will boost economic activities in the region,” Zitto 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 Kigoma namely, Gombe and Mahale.
Civil Aviation Authority manager in Kigoma Godlove Longole requested the government to remember to also finance the construction of security wall (fence), control tower, passenger’s lounge and improve fire brigade services at the airport to make sure that workers performed their duties accordingly.
The Airport manager, Mohamedi Issa pledged close supervison of the construction work to make sure that job accomplished matched the money spent for the airport to attain Code 4C status to provide services to bigger
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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