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The fourth International Airport in Tanzania - Songwe International Airport - in the Southern Highland of Tanzania will start operations next year. The construction of the airport which, started in 2001, is designed to handle aircraft up to B737 size. Tanzania's Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda, said the project falls in line with the government's aim of improving the efficiency and safety of air traffic throughout the country.
Mr Pinda said the airport would increase the national income and attract investors. Tanzania Breweries Ltd is one of the companies seeking to invest in Mbeya. "The airport is not important for Mbeya region only, it is also important for Rukwa where it will assist livestock keepers and neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo which need the airport for their businesses," he said. The airport is constructed under OPEC Fund for International Development, which signed a loan agreement of $4.62 million in 2005. Work that has been carried out include the construction of a 3,300 metre runway, a taxiway and parking apron. Tanzania will now have four international airports. The other three are Mwalimu Nyerere, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar International airports. New arrival and departure buildings and a control tower are also at an advanced stage of construction. Drainage structures, water supply and sewerage systems have been installed. The Songwe Airport Project Manager, Mr. George Asulumenye said that over US$ 20 million had been spent on the project covering feasibility study, administration and construction. Mr. Asulumwenye said that an extensive baggage handling system and the procurement of up-to-date meteorology and communication equipment have also been done signifying completion of the project. "The plan of the Government in establishing this project is to improve the efficiency and safety of air traffic throughout the country. The completion of new international airport will mark the total of four international airports in Tanzania others are Mwalimu Nyerere, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar International airports. However, the facility can only accommodate light aircraft, which presently transport just 600-800 passengers per year but its upgrading would increase more passengers to land at the airport. The OPEC Fund has previously approved loans to Tanzania totalling around US$171.09 million as balance of payments support, helped finance commodity imports programs, provided debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, and supported projects in the education, agriculture, health and energy sectors. Tanzania has also been the recipient of five technical assistance grants, which went towards regional programs in the water supply and sewerage, agriculture, health and transportation sectors.
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