RUKWA: SUMBAWANGA District Commissioner Mr Nyankia Charukile has directed the contractor to speed up the construction work of Sumbawanga Airport which is expected to open up air transport services in the area.
The major facelift and expansion of 60.1bn/- modern Sumbawanga Airport has currently reached 9.0 per cent and its completion is scheduled for March next year.
The DC was speaking recently when he inspected the progress of the project and expressed dissatisfaction.
Upon its completion, the airport project will significantly open up the economic potential of the Southern Highlands zone.
Also, the terminal architectural magnificent structure will transform and beautify the scenario of the Sumbawanga town.
The project is being funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Tanzanian government at 60.1bn/- in 18 months.
So far, the project contractor Ms Beijing Construction Engineering Group Co Ltd (BCEG) has been paid a down payment of more than 8.0bn/-.
Upon completion the much– awaited project will have the capacity to accommodate the Bombardier – 8 Q 400 and ATR 72 and will have the capacity to operate day and night.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the project implementation due to the snail pace of the construction work that commenced six months ago.
The SMEC Project Consultant Engineer, Liboki Liboki said the additional of workforce, equipment and time, he is optimistic that the project will meet the scheduled timetable with the required standards.
“Once the airport becomes fully operational, it will have the capacity of handling 150,000 passengers annually as well as tourism activities and transportation of goods and services,” he said.
He said the renovation and expansion project will involve the runway that will allow planes to run on 1.750 metres and a width of 30 meters at tarmac level the completion will also allow planes to undertake cargo loading and offloading.
