The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Mr Moshi Kakoso, says in a report that Tanzania faces a daunting task in constructing and renovating airports
Dodoma. Only five of Tanzania’s 58 airports and airstrips contribute to the gross domestic product, Parliament was told yesterday.
That prompted legislators to urge the government to avoid initiating new projects and instead focus on rehabilitating the existing ones.
The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Mr Moshi Kakoso, said in a report that Tanzania was facing a huge challenge in constructing and renovating airports.
“The government should ensure it disburses on time funds approved for improvement of airports especially Songwe, Mwanza and Mtwara,” he said.
But Malindi MP Ally Saleh (CUF) said it was wrong for the government to continue constructing new airports while the available ones where in a bad shape.
“Instead of constructing Chato airport, it would be wise for the government to invest massively in improving productive airports.”
He suggested that the government enhanced direct flights to other countries.
“There is no need for a passenger to fly from Julius Nyerere International Airport and have his or connection in Nairobi before flying to other countries,” said Mr Saleh.
However, Geita Rural MP Joseph Kasheku ‘Musukuma’ (CCM) defended the government for constructing Chato airport.
“This is a CCM strategic plan to ensure each region has its own airport,” he explained.
Earlier, Works, Transport and Communications minister Issack Kamwele said the government had plans of improving infrastructure at all airports.
That, he said, was meant to make air transport more convenient for local and international flights.
“The government has decided to invest heavily in modernising airports,” noted Mr Kamwele.
In case of Songwe airport, he said the government had announced a tender for constructing runways and fluorescent lighting system a building for passengers.
“We expect to get the tender winner by March and the project would take two months,” he said.
