Story by Owen Mandovha
THE Government is set to grant national project status to the Cargo Village Project at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, a move expected to fast-track its implementation and strengthen Zimbabwe’s ambition of becoming a regional logistics and air cargo hub.
Construction of the cargo village is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year as part of broader efforts to expand the country’s air freight capacity, improve trade facilitation and stimulate export-led economic growth.
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) says according the project national project status will accelerate its delivery by enabling exemptions on selected imported components required for construction.
Chief Executive Officer of the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Mr Tawanda Gusha said the project is of strategic importance to the country’s economic transformation.
“We are glad to announce that the Cargo Village will be granted national project status to allow its speedy undertaking as it is of strategic national importance to the economy. This comes as we continue ensuring that the country becomes a regional cargo hub, and the status allows for the exemption of certain components to be used,” he said.
Industry players say the project will enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness by improving cargo handling capacity and creating new export opportunities, particularly for agricultural producers.
Transvaal Africa Chief Executive Officer, Mr Patson Moyo said the facility will strengthen the country’s export value chain.
“The Cargo Village improves our handling capacity and becomes a key enabler for local producers of fresh produce, which is essential in exposing especially young farmers involved in the agricultural sector to increased foreign currency earnings through exports,” he said.
The Cargo Village project also includes the construction of an additional runway to accommodate more airlines as Zimbabwe continues expanding its aviation infrastructure.
The development builds on the recent expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, which now has an annual passenger handling capacity of six million, positioning it among the largest airports in Southern Africa.
