Msalato airport set for completion in December

DODOMA: CONSTRUCTION of the Msalato International Airport in Dodoma has entered its final phase, with the infrastructure package 89 per cent complete and the buildings package 78 per cent complete.

Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Chief Executive Engineer Mohamed Besta told journalists at the project site on Thursday that infrastructure works were scheduled for completion by November while the buildings were expected to be completed by December.

He said TANROADS was closely monitoring contractors’ work programmes, equipment delivery and installation, and coordination of interdependent activities to ensure the remaining works were completed on schedule.

The project, being implemented by the government in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), is intended to strengthen Tanzania’s air transport infrastructure and increase passenger and cargo handling capacity.

It is also expected to provide Dodoma with a modern international airport capable of supporting domestic and international air services while creating opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, cargo transportation and employment. Eng Besta said the first phase was being implemented through two packages covering infrastructure and buildings.

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As of this week package one had reached 89.02 per cent completion, with the runway 98 per cent complete and taxiways and aircraft apron each at 99 per cent. The access and internal roads and vehicle parking areas were 75 per cent complete, while the water supply system stood at 89 per cent.

Fencing and gates were 76 per cent complete, while electrical works and aircraft guidance equipment had reached 90 per cent. Remaining works include landscaping and grassing of safety areas, airfield and road lighting, water pipes and an underground water tank, fencing and installation of communication and navigation systems.

The buildings package had reached 78.37 per cent, with the passenger terminal at 81 per cent, air traffic control tower 74 per cent, fire station 88 per cent and meteorological services building 87 per cent. Engineer Besta said the project had created jobs for 9,059 Tanzanians, with 3,571 employed under package one and 5,488 under package two. Another 47 foreign workers had been engaged.

The airport is being developed to Category 4E standards under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), featuring a 3,600-metre runway. It is expected to handle up to 1.5 million passengers annually and accommodate large aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Eng Besta urged Dodoma residents to prepare to benefit from business opportunities expected to emerge once the airport becomes operational.

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