THE Harare International Airport was yesterday renamed the
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and will undergo massive
rehabilitation to match the stature of President Mugabe, a global icon.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joram Gumbo said Government
had since negotiated with China Jiangsu International that refurbished Victoria
Falls International Airport to work on the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International
Airport.
“I am pleased to inform you, Your Excellency, that in order
to match your stature, the airport will soon undergo a massive rehabilitation
and development programme. The rehabilitation process will include, among
others, construction of three additional aero bridges, a new fire station, a
modern terminal building and a new VVIP pavilion,” said Minister Gumbo.
“Negotiations for the financing of the project are
progressing well and nearing completion and we expect the work to commence
before the end of the year. The contractor, China Jiangsu International, who
did us proud at the Victoria Falls International Airport has vowed to outdo
themselves on this project as befitting your stature.” Minister Gumbo said his
ministry was now working on an Airports Development Master Plan to be shared
with the rest of the Government.
“The plan will guide aviation development in the country,
in pursuit of our goal of creating a hub of aviation services in the country.
My ministry is pursuing alternative and innovative funding modalities to ensure
that the plan comes to fruition,” he said.
In renaming the airport to Robert Gabriel Mugabe
International Airport, Minister Gumbo said, the ministry was implementing a
decision of the Zanu-PF conference to name the country’s biggest and busiest
airport in honour of the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of
the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing
Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said his ministry would collaborate with the Ministry
of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ensure the availability of
additional land for the expansion of the airport.
“As this airport is set for further expansion, we will
continue to work with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development
to ensure that the land required for future expansion is made available,” said
Minister Kasukuwere.
“This airport is part of your legacy, wise leadership and
you have given priority to infrastructure and utility development in the
country for the entirety of the people of Zimbabwe.” Minister Kasukuwere said
the airport was renowned for its distinctive conical tower which he described
as landmark.
“For visitors it is their first glimpse of Zimbabwe. For
those returning from their trips, it is a welcome first sight of home. As you
are the face of Zimbabwe, it is only befitting that this airport be named after
you, we want to express our gratitude to you for accepting this honour bestowed
on you by your grateful nation. It is therefore appropriate that the airport be
named after an illustrious son of Zimbabwe,” Minister Kasukuwere said.
Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs Mirriam
Chikukwa said the renaming of the airport demonstrated the pride by Zimbabweans
in President Mugabe. She said Harare was honoured to host the airport. “I am,
therefore, delighted that with this renaming, the airport will soon undergo a
development programme, which will make immense contribution to the achievement
of the goals and objectives of the country’s economic blueprint, Zim-Asset
within the infrastructure and utilities cluster,” said Cde Chikukwa. herald
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