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Dr Joram Gumbo

Kiyapili Sibanda, Business Reporter
AN Amendment Bill which seeks to restructure the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has been submitted to Parliament for consideration.

Government has hinted on plans to restructure and split the organisation to form a separate regulatory authority and an airports company focused on airports management functions in line with international best practices.

Speaking during the Transport and Infrastructural Development Strategic planning workshop held in Bulawayo on Monday, the portfolio minister, Dr Joram Gumbo, said the new Bill was now before the August House.

“In respect of the restructuring and split of CAAZ, the Amendment Bill has now been submitted to Parliament,” he said.

“I am also happy to report that the necessary approvals for the expansion of Robert Mugabe International Airport have now been granted. The rehabilitation process will include, among others, construction of three additional aero bridges, a new fire station, a modern terminal building and a new VVIP pavilion.”

CAAZ was established in 1999 as a statutory body to replace the former Department of Civil Aviation.

Its mandate is to develop civil aviation and promote its safe, regular and efficient use inside and outside Zimbabwe.

Minister Gumbo said the CAAZ board and management should seek to resolve rather than impede the critical issue of the radar system for the Robert Mugabe International Airport and other technologies that are meant to make aviation services efficient.

He hailed the boards and management of state enterprises under his ministry saying there was an improvement in their relations.

“At the strategic planning workshop that we held in Masvingo last year, I bemoaned the interference of boards in the operational matters of our state enterprises.

“At that time I thought that there was too much involvement by the boards in issues within the jurisdiction of the secretariat. I wish to confess that I have seen a marked improvement in the relations of the various boards and management,” said the Minister.

Meanwhile, Minister Gumbo said a number of capital projects under his ministry were on course. These include the recapitalisation of the National Railways of Zimbabwe and the dualisation of Beitbridge-Chirundu highway.

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