The government of Zimbabwe is planning to construct provincial airports in bid to reinforce the open for business mantra as well as implementation of the devolution process.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza confirmed the reports and said that the government has tasked Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe to oversee the project.
Feasibility studies for the construction
“The potential in the provinces is very high, as a ministry, we are cognisant of this fact and we would want to see that the economy grows through the contribution of upgrading and building new infrastructure,” said Biggie Matiza.
The Minster further added that the Civil Aviation Authority is currently carrying out feasibility studies for the construction of the new infrastructure and affirmed their awareness of the high potential of the provinces and are working towards seeing the economy grow.
Additionaly, Matiza is currently touring new road projects across the country following the release of funds by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) and also checked the progress on the construction of Mutawatawa-Pfungwe Road.
Zinara said it had released US $240m for road construction and maintenance to be disbursed to local authorities. This year’s allocation has increased by more than 40% compared to last year, release which was US $188m was released. Part of the funds will also be used to compensate individuals and companies whose properties lie along some of the proposed road expansion routes.
According to the African Development Bank (AfDB) report published last year, Zimbabwe is among the African countries that need to improve its transport network in order to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Moreover, Harare’s US $153m Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport is also on schedule and will completed on time. The airport is expected to increase traffic, cargo volumes and passenger numbers.
