MTWARA Regional Commissioner, Colonel Ahmed Abbas has expressed satisfaction with the renovation and rehabilitation progress of Mtwara Airport which has reached 93 per cent.
The work expected to be completed next month aims at opening economic opportunities within the region and other neighbouring areas.
The RC made the remarks during his visit to assess work progress at the airport. He said the work has been done at satisfactory standards.
He stressed the importance of control and safety of the infrastructure in which the government has invested a lot of money.
“The renovation and upgrading of this airport will help to attract both domestic and international flights which will boost the region economy and country in general when all facilities are completed,” he said.
Moreover, the RC said building of a fence and demarcation of the airport area will help to control invasion and ensure safety of people and infrastructure.
Mtwara Airport Manager, Mr Samuel Mruma said the construction which involves expansion of the runways will enable the airport to handle large airplanes such as the Dreamliner, Bombardier and Airbus.
Mr Mruma further pointed out some of the works that have been completed so far as construction of a taxiway, airport apron, runways, water storage borehole and car parking area.
He said work in progress include construction of the security fence around the airport as well as the internal roads around the fence as well as procedures for the purchase of a fire hydrant truck.
Mr Mruma further encouraged other stakeholders to prepare working at the airport for 24 hours when all the renovation works are completed. They include Airport Police, Immigration, Tanzania Revenue Authority among others.
On his part, Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Mtwara Acting Manager, Eng Michael Nkya said that so far the number of Tanzanians who got jobs due to the project has reached 299, of which 271 are men and 28 are women.
He also said that the contractor has already been paid all the advance payment claims worth 7bn/-, equivalent to 15 per cent of the project value.
