The Sunday Mail
Carren Mushonga
THE makeover of Charles Prince Airport has begun, as Government heightens efforts to build a new modern city in Mount Hampden.
Mt Hampden lies 20 kilometres north-west of the capital, Harare.
It is envisaged that the project would enable the airport to land short- to medium-range narrow-body airliners such as the Boeing 737.
The new city is expected to become the new seat of Government and will decongest Harare, whose burgeoning population continues to put a strain on social services.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Biggie Matiza, said work at the airport is presently underway.
“We have already started revamping the airport, with the runway almost done, which is all in line with the ministry’s vision, which is to work tirelessly to ensure that people have access to roads, railways and airports that meet international standards,” said Minister Matiza.
He said all airports around the country are expected to get a facelift within the next 11 years.
“We have lined up several airport infrastructure projects to modernise and construct brand new commercial airports as part of measures to attract more tourists,” he said.
Some of the airports to be refurbished include Kariba Airport, Buffalo Range Airport, Masvingo Airport and Hwange Airport. Government is engaging private sector investors to partner in these grand projects.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) public relations and communications manager, Ms Anna Julia Hungwe, confirmed the new initiative.
“CAAZ has been on a drive to upgrade and modernise its airports infrastructure and to date, we have carried out rehabilitation and upgrading works at JM Nkomo, Victoria Falls and Buffalo Range airports,” she said.
