The Zambian Civil Aviation Authority has announced that the Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, has signed contracts with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and Anhui Shui’an Construction Group Corporation Zambia Limited for the construction of a greenfield airport in Nakonde and the rehabilitation/upgrading of Mfuwe International Airport.
Minister of Transport and Logistics, Honourable Frank Museba Tayali, MP, who officiated the signing ceremony, disclosed that the Nakonde Airport works will be undertaken by ZNS, while the upgrading of Mfuwe International Airport will be carried out by Anhui Shui’an Construction Group Corporation Zambia Limited.
Hon. Tayali stated that Nakonde Airport will be constructed at a cost of over K2.8 billion, with works expected to be completed within three years, while the Mfuwe International Airport upgrades will cost over K2 billion and are scheduled for completion within two years.
Hon. Tayali outlined that the scope of works for Nakonde Airport includes the construction of a greenfield airport, a 2.5 km runway, a taxiway, an apron, Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), a terminal building, a perimeter fence, housing units, an access road, navigation equipment, and a fire rescue bay.
The scope of works for Mfuwe International Airport includes the construction of a new 3 km runway, a taxiway and apron, rehabilitation of the existing runway, and the installation of Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) and navigation equipment.
The Minister emphasised that the construction of Nakonde Airport will be a game-changer and critical in facilitating trade, adding that the government’s robust airport infrastructure agenda is aimed at positioning Zambia as an aviation hub.
“This airport will be essential in facilitating trade. It will enable our citizens to reach Nakonde in the shortest possible time and conduct their business efficiently. The Zambian government remains committed to its ambitious airport infrastructure agenda, which seeks to make Zambia an aviation hub,” Hon. Tayali said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Mr Fredrick Mwalusaka, who signed the two contracts on behalf of the Government, stated that his ministry is committed to ensuring that all provincial and strategic aerodromes are upgraded to international standards.
“We have an ambitious programme at the ministry to ensure that all provincial and strategic aerodromes are upgraded to international standards,” said Mr Mwalusaka.
Meanwhile, ZNS Deputy Commander Major General Reuben Mwewa expressed confidence and pledged to deliver the project with the highest quality and within the stipulated timeframe.
The Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, represented by Ms Millcent Mwendda, thanked the government for its confidence in the country’s defence force by awarding ZNS the contract to develop Nakonde Airport.
