Parliamentary committee on transport and infrastructure says it is impressed with plans Airport Developments Limited (ADL) has laid out to improve the air transport sector as it has big potential to boost the country’s economic growth.
Speaking when they visited ADL on 7th June 2024, Chairperson for the committee Enock Phale says ADL has the potential to improve the air transport sector according to what they presented and as a committee they are ready to support ADL in unlocking the necessary funding for the projects.
“What is needed is to unlock the necessary revenue collection streams like retention of passenger fees to finance these projects. What ADL has submitted today to the committee has shown us that they have great potential in doing this and all we need is to sit down with relevant stakeholders to make sure that they collect money for the use of infrastructure improvement in the airports,” said Phale.
Phale added that if Malawi has a robust and improved airport infrastructure in all airports to facilitate both international and domestic flights, there is potential of generating more resources which can be used in undertaking different projects including building new passenger terminals and reviving other dormant airports.
Currently, ADL is constructing a passenger canopy at Kamuzu International Airport, expanding the Lumbadzi housing Estate and doing routine maintenance works of all airports as well as rehabilitation of airport housing estates in the country. ADL is also rehabilitating and fencing Air Cargo terminal and constructing a fence at ADL house. Works to modernize ADL house are also in progress.
Among the planned projects are construction of new terminal buildings for both Kamuzu and Chileka International Airports, construction of new Mzuzu and Mangochi airports, building of a 5 star hotel in Likoma and expansion of Likoma aerodrome. ADL is also looking at constructing a robust aviation training school to fill the capacity gap currently in the aviation sector.
Speaking on behalf of ADL, Chief Executive Officer Victor Lungu says they are geared to complement other sectors of the economy like improvement of the Tourism sector by collaborating with different stakeholders to ensure that there is traffic to tourist destinations with ease.
“We want to increase on the domestic services into most areas so that people have connectivity into tourists’ areas, mining ventures and all other places that boost economic activities of the country. Construction of Mangochi airport and Likoma tourism projects are specifically there to support the tourism industry, “says Lungu.
The committee was also briefed on ADL’s reform areas progress. One of ADL’s reform areas is the certification of Kamuzu International Airport and according to Lungu, it is on track.
“The air industry is a highly regulated one as such we have to meet certain regulatory requirements that includes the certification of airports. There are several activities that we are undertaking towards this and we are confident that we are on track and we have briefed the committee on the progress so far which is satisfactory,” said Lungu.
The parliamentary committee on transport and public infrastructure visit was to appreciate ADL’s undertakings on air transport.
