LAKE MANYARA AIRPORT CONTRACTOR STEPS UP WORK, INTRODUCES NIGHT SHIFTS
• First phase expected to be completed in December and handed over in January
• Night shifts introduced to accelerate construction
• Sh88.5 billion project designed to accommodate ATR 42 aircraft
By Joseph Ngilisho | MANYARA
The move by Beijing Construction Engineering Group Company Limited (BCEG) is aimed at accelerating construction works and ensuring that the first phase is handed over in January next year, before the contractor moves on to the second phase.
BCEG representative Yuri Cui said work on the project was progressing well, with the contractor currently focusing on the first phase, including laying asphalt layers on the runway and other key infrastructure.
“Our plan is to complete the first phase by December this year, including laying the asphalt layers, so that we can hand over the area in January,” Mr Cui said.
He said the second phase would commence after completion of the first phase and was scheduled to be completed by June next year.
On the passenger terminal building, Mr Cui said preliminary foundation works, including blinding, were currently underway before construction of the main structure begins.
He said the contractor expected to reach an advanced stage of the building’s structural works by the end of this year.
“For the passenger terminal, we are currently doing blinding works. After that, we will proceed with construction of the main structure. We expect to reach an advanced structural stage by the end of the year,” he said.
Mr Cui said the contractor had also extended working hours and introduced night shifts at the passenger terminal site, while working hours had been increased in other sections of the project.
“Considering the schedule we have set, we have also started night shifts at the passenger terminal and extended working hours. We hope this will enable us to complete the project within the planned timeframe,” he said.
Project Engineer Solomon Dede said the airport was being constructed in two phases and designed in accordance with Aerodrome Code 2C standards.
He said the project included construction of a 1,500-metre-long and 30-metre-wide paved runway, an aircraft apron and a 95-metre-long and 65-metre-wide taxiway.
The project also involves construction of a passenger terminal building, a 1,274-metre access road, an office building and facilities for consulting engineers.
“The project is progressing well and is being implemented in two phases. We are currently in the first phase, with various works ongoing across the project site,” Mr Dede said.
He said ongoing works included construction of the runway embankment, passenger terminal, office building and facilities for consulting engineers.
Mr Dede said the contractor had so far been paid Sh14.75 billion, including advance payments and payments for completed works.
He said the payments had enabled the contractor to maintain the pace of construction, while the government continued to ensure that funds were available and payments made on time.
“We thank the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for enabling timely payments to contractors, allowing the work to progress smoothly,” he said.
Mr Dede said the project consultant had instructed the contractor to increase equipment, manpower and working hours to accelerate implementation.
The measures include working around the clock in sections requiring faster progress, with the aim of completing the project on time and to the required standards.
“We have instructed the contractor to increase equipment, manpower and working hours, including working day and night, to ensure the project is completed on time and to the required standards,” he said.
Once completed, Mr Dede said the airport would be capable of handling ATR 42 aircraft and would have the necessary safety infrastructure and equipment to support flight operations during both daytime and nighttime.
“Upon completion, the airport will be able to handle ATR 42 aircraft. With all the necessary safety equipment in place, flight operations will be possible both day and night,” he said.
The airport is expected to improve air transport connectivity and unlock new economic and tourism opportunities in Manyara Region.
The project, which commenced on December 18, 2020, was initially scheduled for completion on June 18, 2024. Implementation is now proceeding under a revised schedule, with additional measures being taken to accelerate construction.
Ends
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