Msalato Airport nears completion
DODOMA: THE Parliamentary Committee on Public Investments (PIC) has expressed satisfaction with the construction progress of the Msalato International Airport, describing it as a game changer that will serve as a key economic gateway for Dodoma and the nation upon completed.
The state-of-the-art international airport is being constructed at a cost of 360bn/-. The 190bn/- allocated for the construction of the passenger terminal and control tower has reached 51 per cent completion, while the 160bn/- runway and road construction component is 85 per cent complete.
Speaking during a site visit to inspect the ongoing project on Wednesday, PIC Chairperson Augustine Vuma Holle underscored the strategic importance of the airport, noting that it will unlock numerous business and investment opportunities.
“Seeing is believing. Paperwork alone is not enough to verify what we are told. We have witnessed significant progress, and indeed, what was promised is materialising,” he said.
He added: “We are confident that once completed on schedule, this project will be of immense benefit to Tanzanians who eagerly anticipate its operationalisation.”
Mr Vuma commended the sixth-phase government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for its unwavering commitment to the project, emphasising its potential to boost Dodoma’s economy by increasing both domestic and international air travel.
He further lauded the Ministry of Works and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) for their rigorous oversight, ensuring value for money and efficient project execution. He urged TANROADS to maintain close supervision to ensure the project attains 100 per cent completion within the stipulated timeframe as per the contract.
Meanwhile, TANROADS Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Mohamed Besta, expressed gratitude to the government for its continuous financial support in executing the landmark infrastructure project.
“This is a strategic and unique project—the largest airport built in Tanzania since independence without being inherited from colonial infrastructure. Most of the experts engaged in its construction are Tanzanians, despite the main contractor being a Chinese firm. Many Tanzanians have benefitted and will continue to benefit from this development. As TANROADS, we remain committed to ensuring its timely and efficient completion,” he affirmed.
Once operational, Msalato International Airport is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and spur economic growth in Dodoma and beyond.
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The facility, classified as a “4E” airport, will be capable of handling large aircraft with a reference field length of 1,800 metres and above, as well as a wingspan of up to 65 metres, positioning Tanzania prominently on the global aviation map.
