Govt signs 73.51bn/- contract for Mtwara Airport upgrade

MTWARA: THE government has signed a contract worth 73.51bn/- with a Chinese contractor for upgrading the newly constructed Mtwara Airport.

The project will involve the construction of a passenger building, fire rescue station, and a control tower. The contract was signed between the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) and China Railway Engineering Company Group.

The Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, said on Monday that the project is expected to be implemented within 36 months. He stated that upon its completion, Mtwara Airport is expected to attract a number of flights and thus boost the country’s economy.

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“It is our expectation that the contractor will complete the project on time. This will help us to continue with other operations, including boosting businesses in the region,” he noted.

The minister mentioned that other works, such as the construction of a runway to enable the landing of big aircraft, have been completed.

Other completed works include the construction of a taxiway, airport apron, water storage borehole, and car parking area. He added that the work completed was part of the first phase of rehabilitating and expanding the airport. At least 56.99bn/- were allocated and used in the first phase.

Regional Commissioner Colonel Patric Sawala stated that the rehabilitation and expansion of the airport in the Mtwara region are crucial in the region’s transportation network, connecting the region with other regions and countries.