Africa-Press – Botswana. Some stakeholders have called on the consultants engaged to conduct a feasibility study for the development of the Maun International Airport to take into consideration the socio-economic issues.
They aired their views during the ongoing stakeholder meeting in Maun, noting that the transformation of the facility was paramount either at its existing location or at an alternative site as it would contribute to the development of the town and boost the air transport.
The feasibility study aims to determine whether to relocate the airport or develop it on the current site.
Appreciating the importance of the study and proposing a state-of-the-art airport with new technology to enhance security and others services, the stakeholders argued that members of the communities were more connected to the facility as it shaped their overall economic well-being and social structures.
They stated that the airport supported small businesses, the tourism industry as well as other economic activities linked to it.
They also stressed that the development of the facility should not disrupt the existing services, the culture and identity of the community.
Earlier on, participants were asked to share their views on how they envisioned the Maun airport in 20 years from now.
Some indicated that they would like to see the airport repositioned as a strategic asset for sustainable economic growth in the region, attracting more big airlines and more aircraft maintenance companies with aviation companies emerging to address the monopoly in the aviation space.
They said currently Air Botswana was dominating the industry, underscoring the need to have more competition to address the perceived monopoly.
Stakeholders also projected improved regional connectivity and strengthening of digitalisation systems to ensure smoother check-ins, baggage handling and overall operations.
Some called for review of operation hours of airlines saying many of them depart and arrive at the same time. They also stressed that the security culture at the airport should not change but rather be maintained to attract and retain travellers.
They were of the view that a strong security culture fostered a sense of safety and trust, which was essential for passenger confidence.
One of the participants, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe called for the establishment of a proper unit within the airport to cater for future disease outbreaks citing that during COVID 19, there was no facility to isolate those diagnosed with the virus.
Sharing the preliminary findings of the study, one of the consultants, Ms Toni Redman informed the gathering that the previous Maun Development Plan (2009-2021) proposed a new site at Chanoga, some 35km outside Maun along the road to Francistown for airport relocation while the current plan recommended keeping it at its current location.
Reasons advanced to keep it at the current site, she said was that the site provided optimal accessibility to the urban core and supported the market potential of the Central Business District, which depends heavily on airport related activities.
Reports were that relocating the airport could disrupt the dynamics and increase commuting times.
Furthermore, Ms Redman highlighted that according to the current plan, retaining the airport at its current location would also enhance urban development in the precinct, capitalise on the high volume of tourists and support economic activities linked to the airport services.
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