PM directs Iringa Airport to reopen on August 1st
IRINGA: PRIME Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa has instructed the Ministry of Works and that of Transport and Iringa Regional Office to make sure, Iringa airport, currently undergoing upgrades, resumes operations by August 1st.
The prime minister issued the directive shortly after inspecting the on-going upgrading and rehabilitation of the airport at the cost of 60bn/-. The project has reached 93 per cent.
Mr Majaliwa issued 23 days ultimatum for the two ministries to collaborate with the aviation regulatory authorities including Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) and the Iringa Regional Office to settle all setbacks slowing down construction pace of the airport.
The directive aims to expedite the completion of upgrade works at Iringa Airport, which is expected to open up economic potential in the Southern Highlands.
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He said that air transport was crucial in supporting the booming tourism industry spurred by the Royal Tour Film initiated by President Samia to promote the sector.
“The rate of tourist influx in the country has increased significantly especially at the Serengeti National Park. Also, we need to see them visiting Southern Zone including the Ruaha National Park,” he said.
He expressed his optimism that completion of all projects such as roads and airports in the region will boost income generation and stimulate the country’s economy at large.
Additionally, he directed the Iringa Regional Commissioner to formulate a special team for promoting all tourist attraction available in the region including Ruaha National Park.
Earlier, Iringa’s Regional Commissioner, Mr Peter Serukamba, acknowledged the government’s significant funding allocation for various development projects in the region.
Notably, in the current fiscal year, projects include the construction of a 33 km road from Ipogolo to Kilolo, an 80 km road from Mafinga to Mgololo, and a 7.3 km bypass road in Iringa town to be paved.
Furthermore, he said the government is going to carry out renovation of Kitonga Hill road stretching 7-km long.
