The ManicaPost
Nyore Madzianike Senior Reporter
PEOPLE staying within the vicinity of Grand Reef air strip where the Manicaland Airport is to be constructed will not be evicted to pave way for the project.Mutare businessman Mr Joseph Sanhanga, who is leading the Mutare business consortium spearheading the project, said this on Monday during a tour of the area by Government officials.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, who was accompanied by provincial administrator Mr Edgars Seenza, led the touring party.
“People who are living within the surrounds of this airport are not going to be affected by the construction of the airport,” said Mr Sanhanga.
“We have noted that there are clinics, schools and other infrastructure that is already in existence around here. We have also noted that some of the people were relocated from Chiadzwa and they could not be moved again,” he said.
The businessman said they had already agreed with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe over the issue of relocating people. Briefing officials during the familiarisation tour, Mr Sanhanga revealed that they were planning to train skills in aviation at the new airport.
Dr Gwaradzimba asked the Manicaland provincial roads engineer Mr Atherton Zindoga to have a meeting with stakeholders and the business Consortium led by Mr Sanhanga in order to identify areas stalling progress towards commencement of the project.
She said bureaucracy should not stand in the way of the project.
“What we need from you, Eng Zindoga, is education. It is you who gives us the direction because I think we are where we are today because of bureaucratic red tape which is delaying things forever. Give us the check list of exactly what is required so that we do not do things wrong. We do not want to transgress on rules and regulations and it is very critical for us to follow that. Due processes should be followed but let them not be barriers to development,” she said.
The Government has since authorised the rehabilitation and expansion of the area to be used commercially as it is set to contribute to national economic development.
