Major upgrade plans for Zambia airports

As the Zambian government upgrades three of its airports, the country’s president, Michael Sata, has called on the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) to intensify efforts to attract investment in the development of airport infrastructure, including terminals and cargo infrastructure. This was announced by Sata on his official presidential Facebook page on Thursday. He highlighted the key upgrades: • Rehabilitation of Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone US$40 million. “Work is almost complete and the commissioning of the project will be in April 2014,” Sata announced. • Redevelopment of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, at a cost of US$385 million. Sata noted that government had released US$25 million to date and a contractor had been appointed. • Relocation and construction of new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport at a cost of US$522 million. “Government is sourcing the funds for this Greenfield project,” said Sata. The former Ndola International Airport was originally set up as a military base but will be operated as a commercial airport when it opens, reports InfoZambia.com. “It is my sincere belief that our Government’s commitment to investing heavily in our country’s economic infrastructure will boost our agriculture and manufacturing sectors,” commented Sata.