The government of Japan, through Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), has provided $100,000 (approximately K175 million) to go towards Mzuzu Airport rehabilitation works.
The development has elated Transport Deputy Minister Steve Malondera, who said the funds would go towards the construction of a perimeter fence.
“It [the money] will also go towards work aimed at facelifting the airport’s terminal building,” he said after inspecting construction works
Among other things, the K1.4 billion project is aimed at increasing the runway size to 1.5 kilometres (km) from the current 1.3 km, an assignment which was given to Nasudu Construction Limited.
“Ideally, this marks the beginning of flights coming here at Mzuzu
Airport. So, I would like to direct Airport Development Limited, Malawian Airlines and Civil Aviation to immediately convene and agree on when they will start flying to Mzuzu because everything is done as per specification. As such the resumption of flights to Mzuzu are with immediate effect,” he said.
Earlier, Malawi Airlines Flight Safety Officer, Captain Frank Madzi, said the airline was ready to begin operations at the airport with a Bombardier Q400-8 aircraft, which can carry up to 68 passengers.
Initially, he said, the airline would operate three flights per week, with the frequency increasing based on demand.
Speaking recently, during a ‘State of the Nation Address’ for the Youth in Mzuzu City, President Lazarus Chakwera said they were engaging the private sector on a Build- Operate-Transfer arrangement for the construction of the new Mzuzu Airport, to be named after Orton Chirwa.
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