Africa-Press – Tanzania. MAJOR expansion of the modern Sumbawanga airport in Rukwa Region at 55.9bn/- which is expected to start this year will stimulate tourism and other economic activities in the area.
The Deputy Minister for Works and Transportation, Engineer Fred Mwakibete shortly after inspecting the terminal here in Sumbawanga town said the facility will boost tourism and other sectors in Southern Highland regions.
According to him, after completion of the much-awaited project, the airport will have the capacity of accommodating large crafts.
The project will be funded by the government and a loan from European Investment Bank (EIB).
“Rukwa Region has a lot of tourism attraction destinations that have not yet been unveiled …The terminal is viable economically as it will serve as the gateway to neighbouring Zambia, DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi and subsequently opening up the region and its economy will grow,” he said.
Already contractor M/s Sino-Shine Overseas Construction and Investment East Africa Ltd has been contracted to execute the project at a cost of 55.9bn/-.
“More than 800m/- has been allocated to compensate wananchi who paved way for the expansion of the project after evaluation made by Chief Valuer,” noted the deputy minister.
In 2013, Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA) allocated 20m/- for the evaluation of 187 hectares of land for the construction of a new terminal at Kisumba Ward in Sumbawanga municipality.
The new terminal area is allocated to Kisumva village about 20kms from Sumbawanga Town.
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