The Zambian government and China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Cooperation have concluded negotiations for the expansion of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at a cost of US$385mn
According to information obtained from National Airports Corporation (NAC), the terminal building, which is expected to be completed within four years, will have a capacity of four million passengers per year, with the expansion work expected to create more than 3,000 jobs.
"The long-awaited project to upgrade KKIA has finally come to fruition. This follows the conclusion of negotiations with the successful bidder, China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Corporation, at a cost of US$385mn with a delivery period of 54 month," said NAC managing director Robinson Misitala.
The contractor is expected to move onto the site soon to start the works. The programme will be conducted in phases to avoid major disruptions to the smooth running of the airport and avoid inconveniencing passengers, employees and the general public.
New infrastructure at Lusaka's main airport will include an airport hotel with an 80-room capacity, fuel farm, in-flight catering and airport hangars. It will also have six aero bridges and a 30-room transit hotel to accommodate passengers in transit.
Other amenities will encompass an office complex with conference facilities, a shopping mall, cargo facilities, rescue and fire services. There will also be a new aircraft parking area, car park, aircraft underground refuelling facility and stand-alone control tower. The existing terminal building will be rehabilitated.
"The project will create a number of jobs and it is expected that more than 3,000 workers of different skills will be employed during the construction period," Misitala pointed out.
The completion of the infrastructure upgrade will trigger an increase in passenger, cargo and aircraft movements at KKIA, which is poised to become a hub for international traffic.
Nawa Mutumweno
