SUMBAWANGA: THE Sumbawanga Airport construction is 25 per cent behind schedule, with more efforts required to meet the original timelines.
Despite expectations that the terminal building would be 65 per cent complete by now, it currently stands at only 40 per cent.
The 60.1bn/- facelift and expansion project aims to transform Sumbawanga airport into a modern aviation hub, featuring upgraded terminals, a new runway and enhanced infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft and handle increased traffic.
Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, directed the contractor to speed up the construction of the airport, saying there will be no deadline extension.
The deputy minister who visited the project recently expressed dissatisfaction with the project implementation due to the snail pace of the construction which commenced on last September.
The delay has caused some setbacks, but authorities remain confident that the project will regain momentum and ultimately deliver a modern and expanded airport to meet the region’s growing transportation needs.
A spot survey by the Daily News revealed that other aspects of the project, such as the runway and parking area, are progressing steadily, providing hope that the airport will soon be ready to handle both domestic and international flights. The airport will operate 24 hours, seven days week.
Once completed, the new airport will offer crucial connections to other parts of the country and beyond, driving economic growth and enhancing travel experiences for both residents and visitors.
So far, the project contractor – Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) – has been paid some 15.5 bn/- to complete the projects in 18 months.
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Tanroads Rukwa Regional Manager Eng Galasiano Tovagonze said the main challenge is paying the contractor on time. Some 4.5bn/- has been spent to compensate 97 people to pave way for the construction of the airport.
“Once the airport becomes fully operational, it will boost further tourism activities and transportation of goods and services in the southern highlands,” he said.
The project will involve the construction of a runway measuring 1.75 meters in width and 30 metres in length and a passengers lounge to handle 150, 000 passengers per year. “Once the airport becomes fully operational, it will boost further tourism activities and transportation of goods and services in the southern highlands,” he said.
