Government remains committed to upgrading airports – Tayali

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, says the government remains committed to upgrading airports and is taking the issue seriously.

Mr Tayali adds that government desires to see that all airport infrastructure across the country is upgraded to match international standards.

The media reports that the Minister said this when he conducted a tour of the ongoing works at Mfuwe International Airport in Mambwe District yesterday.

Mr Tayali observed that Mfuwe Airport has been an international airport for a long time, hence needing to meet international airport standards unlike only having one 2.2 kilometre runway.

He expressed happiness that with the current upgrade, the old runway will serve as a taxiway leading into an international standard 3-kilometre runway.

Mr Tayali added that the improvement of auxiliary facilities such as the car park was important in preparing for the anticipated increase in traffic volume, further stating that the plan fits right into President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic recovery plan.

Mr Tayali further called on the contractors to ensure that they uphold quality standards in their works and that the project be completed within the expected timeframe.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport and Logistics Assistant Director for Aviation, Paul Mulola, disclosed that K2 Billion had been budgeted for the upgrade of Mfuwe International Airport.

Mr Mulola explained that the contractors had applied for an advance payment of K261 Million, out of which K33 Million was paid to them in July of 2025, and the other part payment of K100 Million towards the advance payment was paid in October 2025 with a remainder of K128 Million.

He noted that according to the update given by the contractors, the works were at 28 percent completion.

Mr Mulola indicated that there were some delays with the environmental impact assessments by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), which have however been settled, adding that soon, the main contractor will commence works on the planned 3-kilometre runway.

And Mambwe District Commissioner, William Banda, said the upgrade will improve service delivery.

Mr Banda also commended the Minister for taking time to assess the progress on the project.