Ministry of Transport and Logistics has awarded contracts to the Zambia National Service for the construction of GreenField Airport in Nakonde and  Anhui Shui’an Construction Group Corporation for the upgrading of Mfuwe International Airport at a combined cost of over K 4 billion.

ZANIS reports that Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, says the contract for the Nakonde Airport has been awarded at a cost of K2, 858,176,374.46, to be completed in the  period of 36 months.

Mr Tayali disclosed that the project will include the construction of a 2.5km runway, taxiway, apron, airfield ground lighting, terminal building, perimeter fence, housing units, access road, navigation equipment, and fire rescue bay.

The minister added that the upgrade of Mfuwe International Airport has been awarded at a cost of K2, 090,301,700.33, with a completion period of 24 months.

“The project will involve the construction of a 3km new runway, taxiway, apron, rehabilitation of the existing runway, installation of airfield ground lighting, navigation equipment, and other associated facilities,” Mr Tayali explained.

Mr Tayali said the  two airport projects are a key milestone in Zambia’s airport infrastructure development and underscores the UPND Administration’s commitment to enhancing the aviation sector.

“The projects are expected to create jobs, bring social and economic benefits to local and regional communities, and facilitate trade and tourism,” he said

Mr Tayali urged the contractors to ensure that they provide quality works that will give the government value for money and deliver the projects within the stipulated time frames.

And Zambia National Service (ZNS) Deputy Commander, Reuben Mwewa, has pledged to deliver quality works on the construction of the Nakonde Airport.

 Anhui Shui’an Construction Group Corporation Consultant, Ian Banda, also assured that his team will deliver high quality results on the upgrade of Mfuwe International Airport.