Story by Owen Mandovha
THE Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is registering one drone each day on average, owing to the growing prominence of drone technology which is increasing efficiency in sectors such as mining and agriculture.
To date, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has registered over 3000 drones owing to the growth of the industry.
Players in the drone industry are capitalising on the opportunities created by the growing prominence of drone technology in spearheading operational efficiencies in sectors such as mining and agriculture.
Scout Areal founder and chief executive officer, Mr Patrick Weeden said, “We have been operating in Zimbabwe since 2014 and I can safely say that the industry has been growing, hence we appeal for CAAZ to put in place a conducive regulation framework.”
“The use of drone technology is gaining traction, especially in exploration activities. We are assisting many firms in their exploration activities,” said Iron Mask chief executive officer, Mr Tatenda Mafara.
As a regulator of the country’s airspace, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe’s mandate is also extended to the registration of drones for security purposes.
“We are registering a drone on a daily basis due to the growth of the drone industry in areas such as agriculture and mining and as CAAZ, we are in charge of the regulation of all drones in the country hence we appeal to any owners of drones to come and register,” said the CAAZ’s director of Flight Safety and Standards, Mr Percy Hove.
The government and its agencies are also adopting the use of drone technology, with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) deploying drones at the country borders to curb cross-border revenue leakages, while the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development has acquired drones to control the threat of quelea birds in wheat production.
