Zimpapers Logo

Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
PREPARATIONS for the construction of Mutare Airport are at an advanced stage, with a number of development partners — both local and foreign — having shown interest in investing in the project, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba has said.

The airport will be located at Grand Reef Aerodrome in Mutare and the Government has since authorised the rehabilitation and expansion of the area to be used commercially.

The airport is envisaged to contribute to national economic development.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) will partner a consortium of Manicaland businesspeople led by Mr Joseph Sanhanga, to develop the airport with a 1 234-metre runway and building infrastructure to house customs and immigration personnel.

Minister Gwaradzimba said this yesterday during a pre-visit to the Grand Reef where she was accompanied by the provincial administrator Mr Edgar Seenza, directors in her office Mr Kennedy Mugarisanwa and Mr Terrance Machocho and other Government officials.

“People might have fears of funding towards the construction of the airport, but I would like to say financiers are there,” said Dr Gwaradzimba.

“Funding is there. There are so many takers who have approached my office even locals have also visited my office.”

Dr Gwaradzimba said her office was waiting for the people spearheading the project to put their house in order and have documents chronicling their action plan before they approach relevant ministries to kick-start the construction process. Responding to concerns that could be stalling progress of the project, among them bureaucracy on procedures within the system, Dr Gwaradzimba said: “All we need from you is education. Procedures and guidelines should not stall development.

“They should not be a barrier to development and this is why we are having the devolution programme to spearhead development. We need to quicken up the process and we do not want to transgress from rules and regulations as it is very important.”