Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has commissioned a new Total Energies Filling Station at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), describing it as a major milestone in government’s efforts to build a modern, efficient and fully integrated transport system.
Speaking during the commissioning, Mr Tayali said the station is the first development under the Airport Land-Use Plan and a clear example of how public private partnerships can accelerate national growth.
He emphasised that fuel remains a critical enabler of mobility across all modes of transport, adding that placing a filling station within the airport precinct will improve both road and air connectivity for travellers, airport staff and service providers.
Mr Tayali said Zambia’s National Transport Policy aims to transform the country into a regional transport and logistics hub anchored on safe, reliable and well-connected networks.
He further noted that the government has continued to invest heavily in aviation and related infrastructure to position KKIA as a future aviation hub for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“Achieving that status requires more than world-class airport buildings. It demands strong partnerships, coordinated planning and meaningful private sector participation,” Mr Tayali said.
The minister further said the government views the new facility as a development that will enhance service efficiency and strengthen essential support systems which are required for an effective transport and logistics ecosystem.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting private sector driven projects that complement public infrastructure and stimulate national economic growth.
Meanwhile, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) Managing Director, Urvesh Desai, said the future of airport development depends on strong collaborations between government, private sector players, local communities and the aviation industry.
Mr Desai said ZACL remains committed to fostering more partnerships aimed at enhancing airport services and infrastructure.
And Total Energies Marketing Manager, Salamata Ball, said the company will continue to support communities across the country.
Ms Ball said apart from providing fuel services, Total Energies has been distributing helmets and educating motorcyclists on safety in Chipata, an area known for high motorbike accident rates.
She has reiterated the company’s dedication to quality customer service and community-focused initiatives.
Wow what great historic ground breaking news this is ??
Speaking during the commissioning, Mr Tayali said the Filling station is the first development under the Airport Land-Use Plan and a clear example of how public private partnerships can accelerate national growth – Accelerate national growth? Like which growth? Because since 2021 nothing is happening. Increasing MMD initiated CDF amounts is development? What CDF is doing is what Central government was doing in the past with major infrastructure seen everywhere – 650 health posts under PF. I am in Shang’ombo, what am i going to do with that one filling station at the airport, i dont have a passport and i dont intend to have one, i am fishing and i am okay with that here
I live in Shang’ombo, no pass port, just fishing here and happy with it. Folling station at KKIA airport is inconsequential to me. Next?
is which water body do you fish? is the fish ban not in force?