Mansa airport to be modernised – minister

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 13:03:12 +0000

By SIMON MUNTEMBA

GOVERNMENT has rolled out ambitious plans to turn Mansa round complete with a modern airport and other social amenities, Luapula minister, Nickson Chilangwa  has revealed.

Mr  Chilangwa  told the Daily Nation in an interview yesterday that  some of the major plans for the town, included the development of  the province’s  football stadium Kaole, to international standards.

He disclosed that the government’s decision to develop Mansa airport was in line with its development agenda for Luapula Province.

Mr Chilangwa who is Kawambwa central MP, explained that being centrally located, there was need for Luapula Airport to be upgraded for the Province to become an economic hub of Zambia.

He noted that once developed, Mansa airport would become a hub of business in the country.

“The airport will be used by businessmen in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other places in the region, as well as, help investors in Luapula as it would be the fastest mode of transport,” Mr Chilangwa said.

Mr Chilangwa also announced the development of Kaole stadium, which will be uplifted through public private partnership (PPP).

He said the Provincial administration was exploring ways of modernising the stadium through PPP.

The Minister said Kaole Stadium had not only hosted high – profile Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) games but also a gathering place for national events.

“The stadium (Kaole) is not only important for football games but it’s also home to big events. We gather there for national events such as Independence Day celebrations and others. We need to develop it,” he said.

He said once developed, Kaole Stadium had the potential to be a key economic driver in Luapula Province.

Mr Chilangwa said a developed Kaole Stadium would attract big football teams to set camps in Luapula and enjoy the tourist sites offered by the Province.

“Kaole stadium will also be helpful with the coming of the Fredrick Titus Chiluba University which government will start building in the province because it will have a faculty of sports.

“So students can be using the stadium for different sports disciplines. We can’t keep such a monumental facility like that. We are doing something about it,” said Mr Chilangwa.