Govt seeks funds for Songea Airport terminal

DODOMA: THE government is continuing with procedures to secure funds for construction of a new passenger terminal building at Songea Airport as part of efforts to improve services and increase passenger capacity.

Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa told the National Assembly yesterday that the project is intended to strengthen the contribution of the aviation sector to local and national economic growth.

He was responding to Songea Urban MP, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, who wanted to know when construction of the airport terminal building would be completed.

Prof Mbarawa said the government is currently renovating a building previously used by contractors so that it can temporarily serve as a passenger terminal while preparations for permanent infrastructure continue. In a supplementary question, Dr Ndumbaro also sought clarification on plans to establish aviation fuel services at Songea Airport and increase flight frequency from three to five flights per week.

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The minister said the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) has already started the process of securing an investor or contractor to establish aviation fuel infrastructure at the airport.

“The project is expected to take between six and eight months to complete,” he said. On flight frequency, Prof Mbarawa stated that Air Tanzania recently increased flights to Songea from three to four per week following rising demand. “Starting last Sunday, we introduced a fourth frequency and the route has shown positive results shortly after its launch,” he noted.

The minister said the government will continue monitoring passenger demand over the next two months before deciding whether to introduce a fifth weekly flight.