The Sunday Mail
THE official opening of the refurbished Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport on Friday was no ordinary pomp-and-fanfare ceremony, but a real game-changer for the economy.
Editor’s Brief
Victoria Ruzvidzo
For long, we had become so used to our modest, old-fashioned airport that we would open our mouths in bewilderment when we passed through other bigger and modern airports.
It was always a dream that one day ours would also be transformed to meet current trends.
Indeed, that dream, which appeared far-fetched at some point, has surely come true.
But also, beyond the ambience and the cutting of ribbons, the picture-perfect developments and the entire works, the expanded RGM International Airport is now a gateway for bigger and more impactful things to come.
The drive to the land of milk and honey received traction on Friday.
To the world of business and travel, it is about making Zimbabwe a more convenient investment and tourism destination.
Any progress, landmark in this instance, is a sure sign that this country is becoming increasingly competitive and compelling as a global economic player.
The fact that the passenger capacity has increased to six million from 2,5 million speaks volumes of the amount of work put in and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Vision 2030 is surely becoming more visible and tangible.
Of course, a few weeks ago, the flight to vision 2030 appeared aborted or had a forced landing as the foreign currency havoc caused a tailspin in the market.
Things are normalising and we can begin to dream again, what with the commissioning of the upgraded airport serving to remind us that Zimbabwe is moving forward. The turbulence here and there will not ground the economic plane but is just a phase that dissipates faster than it appears.
Among other things, work done at the airport includes expanding the international terminal, adding aprons, installing new air bridges and upgrading ground lighting and communication systems.
Furthermore, construction of a VIP pavilion, installation of gyms, salons, coffee bars and a children’s playing centre make it quite a modern airport for the discerning traveller.
The expansion also enables expansion of cargo in and out of the country.
Installation of more sets of luggage-handling equipment and 14 check-in counters for departures add more facilities that travellers need. This means more airlines can confidently choose destination Zimbabwe.
Visitors from high-spending countries can now be more deliberate in choosing this country for an experience.
Indeed, a good and well-functioning airport can have a significant impact on the economy of a region or country in more ways than one.
Research shows that among the benefits are:
Increased tourism: Airports are often the first point of contact for tourists when they arrive in a new country or region. A well-functioning airport can make a positive first impression and attract more tourists, which can boost the local economy through increased spending on accommodation, food, transportation and other tourism-related services.
Improved trade: Airports are also important for the transportation of goods and can facilitate international trade. A well-connected airport with good cargo facilities can attract businesses and increase the volume of trade, leading to economic growth and job creation.
Job creation: Airports themselves are major employers, providing jobs in areas such as security, maintenance, customer service and administration. In addition, the presence of an airport can attract businesses that rely on air transportation, such as airlines, logistics companies and tourism-related services, which can create additional job opportunities.
Increased investment: A good airport can also attract investment into a country, particularly in industries that rely on air transportation. This can lead to the development of new businesses and industries, which can further boost the local economy.
Improved connectivity: Airports that offer good connectivity to other cities and regions can help attract businesses and talent into a country or region, making it more attractive for investment and economic growth.
Gestures and pronouncements of joy coming from the tourism sector and other businesses following Friday’s event are, therefore, expected and quite contagious.
As President Mnangagwa smiled and walked with a spring in his step at the launch, no one could fault him for such an achievement. It was a major item on his shopping list when he went to China on a State visit in 2018.
Coincidentally, yours truly went with him on this trip as part of his media team, so I can relate. The trip was highly successful on many fronts and, as the President said, his Chinese counterpart did not hesitate in extending funding to Zimbabwe for the airport and other critical projects.
“After getting such assistance and support from China, our airport is mouth-watering and magnificent. This is what we call development. Our newly renovated and modern Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport matches any airport in Europe. To China Jiangsu company, I thank you for the remarkable quality of work done at this airport,” President Mnangagwa said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the new airport terminal further cements the relationship between Zimbabwe and China, adding Chinese private sector investments will continue to grow in this country.
“Our bilateral co-operation has continued to deliver tangible results. This magnificent product is another testimony of our fruitful co-operation and another monument that we will cherish in the years to come. It is one of the key co-operation projects done by China. China will always stand with you and remain Zimbabwe’s true and worthy friend,” he said.
So, it is critical that the new infrastructure is maintained well to keep it in good shape.
And we also hope the upgrade will be matched by the quality of service. Let us not have such infrastructure manned by half-hearted and ineffective manpower. Everything must just be top-notch. Zimbabweans are known for their hospitality, skill and hard work. We need to keep it that way.
Focus should also be on other projects that Government is implementing such as road reconstruction, dam construction and many more. Indeed, a number of these impactful projects have been completed.
The President ticked off the major ones on his shopping list to China five years ago. Mission accomplished! Let us be reminded that the airport is the first port of call and visitors will get a first impression about Zimbabwe the minute they step out of the plane. There is no second chance for a first impression.
RGM International Airport may not be the size of arguably the largest airport in the world, King Fahd Airport in Saudi Arabia which covers 300 square miles, but we are getting there brick by brick!
President Mnangagwa on Wednesday invited investors from around the world, including the United States, to partner with Government in unlocking vast investment opportunities in the economy, saying his administration has made necessary economic reforms to guarantee the safety of investments.
Speaking during a high-level dialogue on enhancing Africa’s agricultural value chains at the US-Africa Business Summit in Gaborone, Botswana, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe has put in place measures to enhance the smooth flow of capital.
In God I trust!
Twitter handle: @VictoriaRuzvid2; Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; WhatsApp number: 0772 129 972.
