The ManicaPost
THE long awaited construction of an airport in Mutare is an initiative that deserves to be treated with urgency as it not only dovetails into the devolution thrust that Government, as the country’s central authority, is undertaking but also fits in well in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of turning the country into a middle income economy by 2030.
It is beyond reproach that in this 21st century, the aviation industry is an economic generator. It equates to jobs and income. We are all aware that there is an important link between an airport and a community’s economic vitality.
News that plans are at an advanced stage to see Grand Reef air strip being turned into a fully fledged international airport is encouraging and gives hope for a better future.
It is pleasing to note that the Government has since authorised the rehabilitation and expansion of the area to be used commercially and contribute to the national fiscus.
We have also heard that the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) will partner a consortium of Manicaland businesspeople to develop the airport with a 1 234-metre runway and building infrastructure to house customs and immigration personnel.
No doubt, this is a development that would naturally open the eastern highlands enclave to the wider global community and provide the ease of doing business to multitudes of entrepreneurs in the eastern parts of the country.
It is encouraging to note that Mutare entrepreneur, Mr Joseph Sanhanga is leading the Mutare business consortium spearheading the project which makes it a truly home-grown development initiative.
While most development projects have had difficulties in the process of implementation owing to lack of funding, it is exciting to note that a number of development partners, both local and foreign, have shown interests in investing in the Manicaland airport project.
As we work towards construction of this airport, it should be borne in mind that bureaucracy has also been a stumbling block for so many projects in the past with development partners being left to gallivant from one office to the other to seek permission or clearance of simple things that could be done in one office in real time.
Therefore, the powers that be need to intervene and ensure that partners in the implementation of the airport project are not frustrated by the colonially inherited bureaucratic nature of governance.
Tourism is one of Manicaland’s greatest assets and the construction of an airport in Mutare undoubtedly enhances the growth of the tourism sector given the numerous products that the province can offer.
The scenic Nyangani Mountains, Nyangombe Falls, the majestic Zipline popularly referred to as Skywalk all in Nyanga, the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls, Hot Springs, and the Outward Bound resort in Chimanimani are some of the tourism products that would benefit immensely from the construction of an airport in Mutare.
That not all people staying within the vicinity of the Grand Reef air strip where the Manicaland Airport is to be constructed will not be evicted to pave way for the project is also good news to families that are residing in the area for they will directly benefit when the project comes to fruition.
For the sake of placing into context the benefits that Manicaland and the country at large stands to benefit from construction of an airport, we could draw some lessons from the state of Indiana where a well developed aviation industry plays a crucial role in economic development.
Many of Indiana’s businesses depend on this important industry for access to markets and for access to the nation’s air transportation system. The total annual economic impact of Indiana’s airports on the state’s economy is estimated to be more than $3.8 billion, while they employ more than 15 600 people throughout the state.
Such are the huge benefits that a state can derive from the aviation industry and in this day and age, Manicaland cannot surely be left behind.
