Africa-Press – Mozambique. Aeroportos de Moçambique (ADeM) announced in Cabo Delgado last Friday (16-12) that the expansion and modernization required to adapt Pemba Airport to the needs of the future would cost about US$43.5 million.
During a presentation of the project to state representatives, Cabo Delgado ADeM director Eduardo Mutereda said that plans provided for the expansion of the airport terminal; the construction of a new cargo terminal; the construction of a new power station and water supply system; the remodelling of the fire station; the expansion of the runway and landing pad; and improvements to the lights, perimeter fence and drainage system, among other actions.
“Due to the problems related to the extension of the runway and its apron, the neighbouring airports of Nacala-Porto and Nampula have been resorted to for landing and parking aircraft,” Mutereda revealed.
Mutereda said that 287 million meticais [around US$4.5] will be needed for the rehabilitation of Mocimboa da Praia airfield, which was the target of attacks and vandalism by terrorist groups.
The ADeM is currently in the process of identifying partners and raising funds to put the two projects into operation, Mutereda added.
“We think that government institutions, such as the state representation services and other entities, can help us in the process of mobilising partners,” he said.
Cabo Delgado has been the scene of an armed insurgency since 2017, with some attacks claimed by the extremist Islamic State group.
The violence has prompted a year-long military response with support from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The conflict has already displaced one million people, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and cost around 4,000 lives, according to the ACLED conflict registration project.
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