Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned a $153 million upgrade at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on July 23. The project is expected to take three years.
The upgrade will include an expansion of the international terminal building, four new bridges, a secondary radar system, an airfield ground lighting system and communication systems. The project is being funded by a loan from China Exim Bank and is being undertaken by Chinese contractor, China Jiangsu International Economic Technical Cooperation Corporation, which also completed the upgrade of the Victoria Falls International Airport in 2016.
Currently, the airport has capacity to handle 2.5 million passengers annually. The upgrade is expected to push that to six million as well as increase the number of airlines using the airport
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mnangagwa said the airport was key to economic development in the country, adding that airports in any society were crucial for a society to function efficiently. “It facilitates movement of goods and persons, tourists and investors.”
The upgrade supports the move by government to drive modernisation in the country, with Mnangagwa adding: “The ongoing refurbishment and retooling of the railway sector by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) will complement the upgrading of airports and road constructions, as well as convergence with the modernisation of our border posts for the overall benefit of trade, industry, business and travellers alike.”
He challenged the aviation industry to play its part in collaborating with institutions of higher learning for adequate skills development to fill the growing demand and also encouraged good attitude among airport staff. “I urge that the same hospitality we are known for as a nation be displayed at all our ports of entry, throughout the country.”
Dr Joram Gumbo, Minister for Transport and Infrastructural Development, echoed the President’s sentiments. “The upgrade is critical if we are to gain a competitive edge over our neighbours, who are continuously upgrading their main gateways.”
