|
Tanzania plans to invest $313 million in country’s Aviation industry
Tanzania plans to invest US$313 million in their air transport infrastructure within the next 10 years. The investment is meant to upgrade the existing facilities which is needed to meet international standards.
The project, expected to be concluded in 2011, is expected to generate revenue, create jobs and spur the country's economic growth.
The Minister of nfrastructure Development, Mr. Basil Mramba, said that the main objective is to improve existing facilities to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. And officials said that the sector had been given very little attention in the past.
"The aviation industry is one area which can help our economy to grow. But for many years it was not given the attention it deserves," Mramba told reporters. "If KLM touches
down, you will see how many people are running to serve it. It is like a dog's puppies suckling their mother, fighting for a nipple to suck. "We have to maximize the opportunity," Mramba said. Tanzania has 24 airports. Two are international airports - JNIA and Kilimanjaro Airport, while four others, Arusha, Mwanza, Dodoma and Mtwara are local terminals.
The minister directed the Tanzania Airport Authority to find investors with substantial capital and know how. He also added that the investors should have relevant international networks to generate a competitive hub in Tanzania.
Taxiway, apron, runway and the lighting system at JNIA were last rehabilitated and upgraded 20 years ago. But thanks to the Netherlands government, a budget of 22.9m euros was granted to Tanzania for the rehabilitation programme.
The Dutch ambassador, Mr. Karel Van Kesteren, said that Dar es Salaam as an international gateway will benefit from tourism, export and import trade.
|
