News / National
US$88million needed for airports upgrade
22 Nov 2024 at 07:02hrs | Views
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) requires US$88 million in the 2025 financial year to fund critical infrastructure development projects, including the construction and refurbishment of airports and the procurement of aviation equipment.
The modernization of airport infrastructure is central to Zimbabwe's goal of enhancing the ease of doing business and boosting the tourism sector, as outlined under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). The initiative is being led by ACZ in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development as part of high-impact flagship projects prioritized by the Second Republic.
Key Projects
Several airports have been earmarked for upgrades to meet international standards and accommodate increased traffic:
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo): Requires US$18 million for runway extension, construction of a fire station, and installation of advanced airfield lighting systems. These upgrades aim to enable the airport to handle larger aircraft.
Victoria Falls International Airport: Needs US$11 million to construct a new uplift catering facility and runway improvements to support its role as a hub for regional and international tourism.
Hwange Airport: Set to undergo taxiway and apron rehabilitation, costing US$20 million. The airport, serving as a gateway to Hwange National Park, is crucial for eco-tourism and wildlife conservation.
Grand Reef Airport (Mutare): Requires US$15 million for runway, taxiway, and apron extensions, along with the construction of a new terminal building and control tower.
Funding Options
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development has emphasized the importance of exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to finance aviation-related infrastructure.
"A good example is the Istanbul Airport expansion project, where a consortium was awarded the tender to build the airport and committed to paying the government €26.1 billion, including value-added tax, over a 25-year lease. Similar arrangements could be explored to fund projects like the proposed Prince Charles International Airport in Mt Hampden," the committee stated in its submission on the 2025 national budget.
Tourism and Economic Development
Modern airports are critical for tourism growth, facilitating increased arrivals and enhancing Zimbabwe's appeal as a destination. Infrastructure upgrades also play a pivotal role in supporting broader economic objectives by improving logistics and connectivity.
With the upgrades planned across Zimbabwe's major airports, ACZ and the government aim to strengthen the aviation sector as a pillar of national development, fostering economic growth, tourism, and global competitiveness.
The modernization of airport infrastructure is central to Zimbabwe's goal of enhancing the ease of doing business and boosting the tourism sector, as outlined under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). The initiative is being led by ACZ in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development as part of high-impact flagship projects prioritized by the Second Republic.
Key Projects
Several airports have been earmarked for upgrades to meet international standards and accommodate increased traffic:
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo): Requires US$18 million for runway extension, construction of a fire station, and installation of advanced airfield lighting systems. These upgrades aim to enable the airport to handle larger aircraft.
Victoria Falls International Airport: Needs US$11 million to construct a new uplift catering facility and runway improvements to support its role as a hub for regional and international tourism.
Hwange Airport: Set to undergo taxiway and apron rehabilitation, costing US$20 million. The airport, serving as a gateway to Hwange National Park, is crucial for eco-tourism and wildlife conservation.
Grand Reef Airport (Mutare): Requires US$15 million for runway, taxiway, and apron extensions, along with the construction of a new terminal building and control tower.
Funding Options
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development has emphasized the importance of exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to finance aviation-related infrastructure.
"A good example is the Istanbul Airport expansion project, where a consortium was awarded the tender to build the airport and committed to paying the government €26.1 billion, including value-added tax, over a 25-year lease. Similar arrangements could be explored to fund projects like the proposed Prince Charles International Airport in Mt Hampden," the committee stated in its submission on the 2025 national budget.
Tourism and Economic Development
Modern airports are critical for tourism growth, facilitating increased arrivals and enhancing Zimbabwe's appeal as a destination. Infrastructure upgrades also play a pivotal role in supporting broader economic objectives by improving logistics and connectivity.
With the upgrades planned across Zimbabwe's major airports, ACZ and the government aim to strengthen the aviation sector as a pillar of national development, fostering economic growth, tourism, and global competitiveness.
Source - The Herald
