K36m needed to complete construction of Livingstone airport

THE Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) needs K36 million to complete construction of a new terminal building at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
ZACL managing director Robinson Misitala said the K36 million is required to complete outstanding works since the new terminal building was partially opened to the public in August 2013.
Mr Misitala said in response to a press query that major outstanding works include installation of elevators, electrical reticulation, installation and commissioning of the information communication technology (ICT) systems and builders’ works.
“ZACL is eager to source for funds to complete the works to enable it commission the terminal building at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, which was partially opened for passenger facilitation on August 15, 2013 during the United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly held in Livingstone,” Mr Misitala said.
He said once completed, the new airport terminal will have features such as elevators, a banking hall, upper VIP floor and business lounges.
Other facilities include upper floor restaurant and viewing terrace, holding lounge, curtain walling, duty free and retail shops and a water feature outside the front of the building symbolising the Victoria Falls.
Mr Misitala said other amenities at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport will include electronic advertising spaces, flight information displays, closed-circuit television and access control, modern central air-conditioning equipment and fire alarm systems.
The terminal will also have security agencies offices, smoking lounges, four entry gates and two exit gates.
The old airport building has the capacity to clear 250,000 passengers per year while the new terminal building will be able to handle one million passengers annually.
The airport was built in 1950 for a predominantly domestic market, but the infrastructure has been considerably upgraded through major re-development programmes undertaken by ZACL.