By The Respondents Reporter
The expansion of Shinyanga Airport is set to boost business and investment in the region, reinforcing economic ties with neighboring areas, Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega has said.
Speaking during an inspection of the project, Ulega expressed satisfaction with its progress, which has reached 94.9 percent completion.
He described the expansion as a strategic government initiative under President Samia Suluhu Hassan aimed at strengthening the country’s air transport infrastructure and enhancing efficiency in passenger and cargo services.
During the visit, the minister instructed the contractor, CHICO, to intensify work and deploy additional resources to complete the passenger terminal within the remaining 45 contractual days.
“Make sure that within the next 45 days, work continues day and night so the passenger terminal is completed and the airport can deliver the intended services,” Ulega stressed.
He also commended the Shinyanga regional office of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and CHICO for completing a 2,200-meter runway capable of safely handling commercial aircraft such as the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400.
TANROADS Shinyanga regional manager, Engineer Ntuli Mwaikokesya, said the project began in April 2023 and is expected to be completed by April 2026 at a cost of TZS 44.8 billion.
He outlined that the project includes access roads, a circular internal road, parking areas, a passenger terminal with an air traffic control tower, and the 2,200-meter by 30-meter runway.
Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to improve safety, efficiency, and service quality, positioning Shinyanga as a key hub for regional air transport and economic development.
