PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is on Sunday, November 24, 2024, expected in Luapula Province for a one day working visit.

Provincial Permanent Secretary, Mighty Mumba, says the President will among other things commission the groundbreaking ceremony of the upgrading of the Mansa Airport.

He adds that President Hichilema is also expected to grace the Chabuka ba Ushi Traditional Ceremony of the Ushi People and return to Lusaka the same day.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mumba has further revealed that the contractor working on the Airport is already on site and that works have commenced.

“Among the works which will be done at the Airport is the expansion of the runway to increase the number of aircraft landing,” he says.

The business community in the province sees the upgrading of the Airport as one move which will spark economic activities.

Immediate Past Luapula Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Emmanuel Musanje, notes that the upgrading of the airport will see more jobs created for the local people.

Mr Musanje adds that the project will see more aircraft coming in the province which will translate in more demand for services in the hospitality industry.

“This is the best news for the province as there will be more demand for services such as accommodation, transport and catering,” notes Mr Musanje.

Meanwhile, Musangu Resources Chief Executive Officer, Sixtus Mulenga, says the upgrading of the airport will boost the mining industry in the province.

Dr Mulenga, who owns a largest manganese mine in the province, explains that more business partners will be able to go to Luapula without worrying about wasting a lot of time.

He notes that with an upgraded airport, big aircrafts are also expected to be going to the province, which he said could be helping with transporting goods from the mine.

Dr Mulenga has further added that the upgrading of the Airport has come at the right time when the Mwenda – Kasomeno Road project is also being undertaken.

“These projects will not only change the face of the province but will also increase business opportunities,” he says.

Dr Mulenga has since commended the government for considering Mansa Airport among the airports to be upgraded.