Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:56:00 +0000
By Buumba Chimbulu
GOVERNMENT is investing an excess of in US$1 billion in the aviation sector through the improvement of infrastructure development aimed at increasing activities in the industry, says Transport and Communication, Minister Brian Mushimba.
Mr. Mushimba said the funds were invested in infrastructure development which would promote economic growth such as new airports and upgrading of new terminals in all provincial towns.
He was speaking at the official opening of the seminar on the development of States’ action plans on carbon emissions reduction activities and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
He explained that this investment is also part of the plans to establish a national airline which was scheduled to commence operations soon in the future.
“We are investing heavily in the aviation sector in terms of infrastructure. Investments in access of US$1 billion is spent so we feel that to take full advantage of that investment, a national airline is needed especially that it can play the catalytically role to accelerating economic development that we need,” Mr. Mushimba said.
Mr. Mushimba said Government had embarked on ambitious programmes of airport expansion, modernisation and improvement which begun with the construction of new terminal facilities.
“As Government, we are delighted to see more players participating in the aviation sector thus making a positive contribution to economic development,” Mr. Mushimba said.
He also said Government has constituted a national working group that would spearhead all carbon emissions related issues in aviation.
And Civil Aviation Authority director-general, Gabriel Lesa, said international aviation played a vital role in global social-economic development thus the need to manage the industry in a sustainable manner.
Mr. Lesa said the Zambian aviation sector endeavoured to promote a green economy by implementing use of surveillance and satellite navigation systems.
He said a green economy had benefits to national wellbeing as less environmentally pollution translating into reduced global warming incidences.
“Zambia by joining the CORSIA has made a commitment to implement the action plan on emission reduction. That will help consolidate the Government’s efforts in reducing climate change,” Mr Lesa said.
