News / National
Mutare airport project gathers momentum
05 Dec 2024 at 07:09hrs | Views
The vision of establishing an international airport in Manicaland is inching closer to reality, with a feasibility study set to commence in the first quarter of 2025. This milestone follows years of persistent calls from the local business community, tourism stakeholders, and frequent travelers advocating for improved air transport infrastructure in the province.
Earlier this year, a potential site for the proposed airport was scouted in Mutasa District, identified as a suitable location for the ambitious project.
Deputy Minister Sacco highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region.
"An international airport is no small feat, and several factors need to be taken into consideration. It is not a project that can be done and concluded overnight," said Sacco.
The feasibility study will assess key aspects, including environmental impact, land use, economic viability, and community engagement. According to Sacco, the project's scope requires thorough planning to ensure it aligns with both regional and national development goals.
"This is a mega project that needs a lot of time invested in it to come to fruition. It has a lot of impact on the host community, and these are factors that will need to be put into consideration before any meaningful development takes place. This is one of the priority projects tabled for Manicaland, and we anticipate feasibility studies to commence within the first quarter of 2025," he added.
The comprehensive study will also incorporate consultations with local communities to address concerns about land acquisition and environmental preservation. This inclusive approach aims to foster a sense of ownership among residents while ensuring that development is sustainable and equitable.
The call for an airport in Manicaland has gained traction over the years, with stakeholders emphasizing its potential to boost tourism, trade, and investment.
The absence of a functional airport has hindered the province's ability to fully capitalize on its natural and cultural resources. Improved air access is expected to attract more domestic and international visitors, unlocking the region's tourism potential.
In addition to enhancing tourism, the airport is anticipated to bolster trade and investment opportunities. Easier access for goods and services would enable local businesses to expand their reach, driving economic growth.
Minister Sacco reiterated that the project aligns with national development objectives, emphasizing the vital role infrastructure plays in economic progress.
The proposed airport is seen as a transformative venture for Manicaland, with the potential to reshape the province's economic landscape and establish it as a regional hub for trade and tourism.
Earlier this year, a potential site for the proposed airport was scouted in Mutasa District, identified as a suitable location for the ambitious project.
Deputy Minister Sacco highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region.
"An international airport is no small feat, and several factors need to be taken into consideration. It is not a project that can be done and concluded overnight," said Sacco.
The feasibility study will assess key aspects, including environmental impact, land use, economic viability, and community engagement. According to Sacco, the project's scope requires thorough planning to ensure it aligns with both regional and national development goals.
"This is a mega project that needs a lot of time invested in it to come to fruition. It has a lot of impact on the host community, and these are factors that will need to be put into consideration before any meaningful development takes place. This is one of the priority projects tabled for Manicaland, and we anticipate feasibility studies to commence within the first quarter of 2025," he added.
The comprehensive study will also incorporate consultations with local communities to address concerns about land acquisition and environmental preservation. This inclusive approach aims to foster a sense of ownership among residents while ensuring that development is sustainable and equitable.
The call for an airport in Manicaland has gained traction over the years, with stakeholders emphasizing its potential to boost tourism, trade, and investment.
The absence of a functional airport has hindered the province's ability to fully capitalize on its natural and cultural resources. Improved air access is expected to attract more domestic and international visitors, unlocking the region's tourism potential.
In addition to enhancing tourism, the airport is anticipated to bolster trade and investment opportunities. Easier access for goods and services would enable local businesses to expand their reach, driving economic growth.
Minister Sacco reiterated that the project aligns with national development objectives, emphasizing the vital role infrastructure plays in economic progress.
The proposed airport is seen as a transformative venture for Manicaland, with the potential to reshape the province's economic landscape and establish it as a regional hub for trade and tourism.
Source - the herald
