Story by Owen Mandovha
THE Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion project is expected to be completed by May next year.
According to the Airports Company of Zimbabwe( ACZ)’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Tawanda Gusha, the contractor completed the main superstructure this year and is on course to finish the entire project by May next year.
“I can safely say that the year 2022 was a successful one in terms of meeting our targets. The airport expansion project progressed very well and the superstructure is now complete, all painting works and the fitting of ceilings have been done. Right now we are fixing the elevators and staircases and other minor works. I can add that we have completed almost 85 percent of the total works and by May we must have been done,” he said.
Mr Gusha went on to comment on the unexpected rebound of the aviation industry in the post-COVID-19 era.
“Estimates of recovery were set at 70 percent compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, but our own aviation sector has rebounded exceeding these estimates. A lot of local and regional airlines are scrambling for our airspace to get a slice of the aviation and tourism cake as opportunities are galore. The likes of Fastjet are launching new domestic routes for example to Hwange while SAA for the first time has launched the JHB- Vic Falls route,” he said.
The Government of Zimbabwe is seized with efforts to rebuild the aviation industry.
Besides attracting international airlines to Zimbabwe as well as building and modernising the country’s airports infrastructure, the Government is also succeeding in reviving the fortunes of the national flag carrier, Air Zimbabwe, which has been under enormous operational constraints for years.
