Airport expansion in full swing

Lynn Munjanja Herald Reporter
The US$153 million Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion project is in full swing, with contractor Jiangsu International of China, having covered at least 10 percent of the work.

This came out yesterday when the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development toured the airport.
Government wants the airport to be modernised so that it meets global standards.

The expansion targets the international terminal building and aprons, installation of four new air bridges, construction of a VVIP pavilion, an airfield ground lighting system and communication systems, and supply of some service equipment which include ambulances, universal towing vehicles, airside buses and fire-fighting vehicles.

Portfolio committee chairman Mr Oscar Gorerino praised the developments achieved so far.
“The idea of the expansion is good, we toured airports last week and the Victoria Falls International Airport is part of what this contractor did,” he said.

“We hope Robert Mugabe International Airport will raise its standards to meet the correct standards.
“There is an improvement on the progress because there is now a lot of changes since the last time we came here in terms of structures, and they are moving forward, so basically the terms in which they are moving is quite good.”

So far, excavations for departure and arrivals extensions, excavation and compaction of New Bay 7 apron, asphalt wearing course of trial have been completed, whilst piling works, ground floor slabs, pouring of concrete, relocation of services and demolition work at viewing canopy is in progress and the departure wing extension for international terminal building is now at first floor.

Airport manager Mrs Margaret Samkange said they are happy with the developments and the contractor is also putting in a lot of effort.

“We are very happy with the new developments and the contractor is putting in a lot of effort, and the contractor works at night to avoid disrupting flights,” she said.

“The fire station is going to be removed by the new project and moved backwards because it is disturbing bigger flights as it is too near to the runway and also we are bringing in new ambulances and fire extinguishers. The progress is quite pleasing.”

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey