Call for timely payment to the Aviation College’s contractor, to protect its workers’ rights

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure has urged the government to ensure that workers’ rights are protected and that the contractor is paid on time so that the construction project of the Aviation Training College is completed as scheduled.

Speaking during the committee’s visit to inspect the progress of the project, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Seleman Moshi, said the committee was satisfied with the construction progress but emphasized that the project must meet the required quality standards.

He said the college, which is managed by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), is of great importance to the nation as it provides aviation training at international standards.

“We have come to inspect this project and we can see that it is progressing well.

However, it is important to ensure that it is built to high-quality standards and completed on time so that it can start serving more students,” Moshi said.

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He also stressed the importance of ensuring that workers operate in safe and dignified working environments. He urged the government to ensure the contractor is paid on time to avoid delays in the project.

Moshi further encouraged Tanzanians to take advantage of the educational opportunities that will be offered at the college. He noted that many young people from different countries are expected to come to study in Tanzania, and therefore Tanzanians should seize the opportunity to obtain aviation education at relatively affordable costs.

Previously, the college did not have an international-standard outlook, but the ongoing improvements are expected to transform it into a modern aviation training center.

On his part, the Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, Salim Msangi, said they had received the committee’s directives and would ensure they are implemented, including making timely payments to the contractor to speed up the completion of the project.

He said the completion of the college will enable Tanzania to become an international hub for aviation training and increase government revenue, especially foreign exchange earnings from international students who will come to study.

Msangi added that the college is expected to have modern infrastructure including adequate classrooms, student hostels, sports grounds, and health services to create a conducive learning environment.

He noted that the authority aims to have the college fully completed by 2028.

Currently, it serves about 2,000 students per year, but once completed it is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 students annually.

At present, the college generates approximately 2bn/- per year, with expectations to increase revenue to 10bn/- annually after the project is completed.