Msalato Airport project takes shape, runway hits 84pc

DODOMA: CONSTRUCTION of the Msalato International Airport in Dodoma, the country’s administrative capital, is progressing well, with the runway now 84 per cent complete and is expected to be completed by June this year.This state-of-the-art international airport is being built at a cost of 360bn/-.

Once completed, it will be capable of handling large aircrafts, positioning Tanzania prominently on the global aviation map.

The project is being implemented in two phases.

The first one, costing 165.65bn/- and includes the construction of essential infrastructure such as the runway, taxiways, aircraft apron, service roads, electricity, drainage systems and the installation of an airfield lighting system to ensure 24-hour flight operations.

The aircraft apron will have the capacity to park 13 large aircrafts. The second phase of 194.4bn/-, involves the construction of key facilities, including a passenger terminal, offices for the fire service, an air traffic control tower, a power station, a substation, a meteorological office and the installation of air conditioning systems in various facilities, including offices and baggage handling systems.

Briefing the Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, on the progress of the project during a recent inspection, Dodoma Regional Manager for the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Engineer Zuhura Amani said the project was well on course to completion “The project is progressing well and we are optimistic that it will be completed within the scheduled timeframe,” Eng Amani said.

She said that the runway construction is 84 per cent complete and the terminal building is at 51 per cent completion.

The runway will stretch 3.6 kilometres in length and 60 metres in width, allowing it to accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A380, with the capacity to carry over 700 passengers.

The Msalato International Airport is classified as “4E,” meaning it can accommodate an aircraft with a reference field length of 1,800 metres and above and a wingspan of up to 65 metres.

Minister Mbarawa instructed the contractor to ensure the project meets the prescribed standards and delivers value for money, enabling the airport to handle large aircraft like the Dreamliner. He added that once operational, Msalato International Airport will allow direct international flights from Dodoma, connecting the city beyond Tanzania’s borders.

To address potential weather challenges, Prof Mbarawa tasked the contractors to accelerate the laying of tarmac before the long rainy season begins.

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“I urge you to fulfil your promise to complete the tarmac laying in the next two weeks. After that, we will install the necessary systems while finalising the construction of the terminal building, ensuring that work can continue indoors even during the rain,” he said.

Prof Mbarawa said that the runway would be ready for use by the end of June this year. He also commended TANROADS for their effective supervision of the project.

Economist-cum-investment banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo praised the government’s oversight of the project, noting that the 84 per cent completion rate is very positive.

He expressed optimism about the significant economic benefits the airport will bring, seeing it as a vital catalyst for economic growth, connecting nations and cities and fostering cross-cultural interactions.

Dr Shayo also said that once operational, the airport will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, attract investments and serve as a hub for air travel.

He further anticipated the expansion of Dodoma City due to the expected increase in international routes, with Msalato International Airport at the centre of this growth.

“What may have been a quiet town or rural area can become a thriving economic hub with the construction of an airport, especially one as large as Msalato,” Dr Shayo said.

Globally, airports have played a transformative role in accelerating the development of enterprises, boosting tourism and acting as economic magnets.

The development of airports across the country is progressing alongside the revival of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), which now operates 16 aircraft, including three B787-8 wide-body jets, one B767-300F freighter, two B737-9 narrow-body jets, four A220-300s and six regional turboprops (one DHC-8-Q300 and five DHC-8-Q400s)