Mugabe commissions Victoria Falls International Airport

President Cde Robert Mugabe says commissioning Victoria Falls International Airport is a huge milestone in the realisation of ZIMASSET in partnership with the Chinese government, a great partner and friend.

After the total transformation and facelift, the new airport can now handle triple the number of passengers compared to initial half a million.

The completion of the Victoria Falls International Airport could transform it into a tourist hub for the region.

President Mugabe went on to explain the different stages of the airport which began in April 2013.

He said after the completion of the airport, tourists can now fly in from different parts of the world.

Cde Mugabe urged the different sectors involved with the project to join hands and vigorously market the project to ensure the country reaps fruits from it.

The President urged the players involved in the project to continue the high quality workmanship and pledged to re-engage the contractors Jiangsu in future.

He said Harare and other airports around the country await similar projects to upgrade them.

Government is in the process of aligning the airline business to ensure compliance with world best practices.

The President commended the Ministry of Transport for ensuring the completion of the project at a time of uncertainty.

He thanked Jiangsu company for the work and assured them of more business when other airports are upgraded.

Mugabe said to the people of Matabeleland North, the facility is theirs and that they should ensure it is clean and well taken care of.

He concluded his address by urging Minister Gumbo to improve other transport sectors including roads and railway.

In his vote of thanks, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko urged the people to take care of the facility and reap benefits from its utilisation.