Buffalo Range airport refurbished

Buffalo Range airport terminal in Chiredzi has been refurbished to the tune of US$212 000 through a partnership among the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), Tongaat Hulett and Malilangwe Trust.

The refurbishment of the airport is expected to stimulate economic activity in the lowveld by giving investors and tourists access.

The airport is a gateway to the low-veld, which is home to Triangle and Hippo Valley sugar estates as well as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

The newly refurbished airport was officially commissioned by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Cde Michael Madanha.

"The government recognises that air transport is pivotal to the economic growth of our country as it facilitates trade, tourism and regional integration. This terminal building was established in 1965, and its refurbishment was long overdue," he said.

CAAZ General Manager, Mr David Chawota applauded Tongaat Hulett and Malilangwe Trust for partnering the authority in the refurbishment work.

"These business partners saw potential in Buffalo Range and found it wise to partner us. Time and weather had taken their toll on the terminal building to an extent that the terminal looked disused," said Mr Chaota.

Buffalo Range airport registered a 4 percent increase in aircraft traffic movement by October 2015.