Africa-Press – Zambia. Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Royd Chakaba has expressed confidence that the completion of the Kasama Airport will help boost tourism in the Province. Mr. Chakaba said having a functioning airport is a step in fully actualizing the full tourism potential in the province.
Mr Chakaba was speaking in Kasama yesterday, when he visited the Kasama Airport to monitor the construction works, adding that there is need for the contractor to work around the clock and ensure the airport is completed in the shortest time possible.
“As a province we are blessed with vast tourism potential which we are ready to boost through the use of the airport” he said
The Permanent Secretary, highlighted Kasaba Bay, Kalambo, and Chishimba Falls as some of the tourism sites which are of historical importance in the province hence the need to make it easy for people to visit the areas.
He has since reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards fostering development in all sectors of the economy. Earlier, Road Development Agency (RDA) Regional Manager ,Simon Chimwando said the project was awarded in 2014 with an initial time frame of 2 years at the cost of K141 million.
He explained that the project has been delayed due to challenges such as finances. He however, stated that works are progressing well with physical progress of 87.7 percent.
“Some of the works that have been done on the 3.6 kilometers run way include mobilization, clearing, stabilization, mass earth works among others” he said
He has expressed confidence that the contractor will deliver quality works. Meanwhile, Anhui Shuian Construction Company Assistant Manager Kelvin Duo has attributed the delayed works to financial challenges.
” We are trying our best to ensure the project is completed however, the flow of income has affected the progress” he said
