By JAMES KUNDA? –

UNITED Kingdom (UK)-based bank HSBC has availed US$150 million for the financing of the proposed upgrading of four airports and aerodromes in Luapula Province.
Lagan Group Limited, a British construction firm has secured the $150 for the proposed refurbishment of airports and aerodromes in Mansa, Kashikishi, Samfya and Kawambwa.
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo confirmed that Lagan Group, who was bidding to refurbish the four aviation facilities, had managed to secure the funds.
Mr Kasolo said the British firm, which was behind the construction of the Hong-Kong Airport in China, was interested in developing the infrastructure and had proposed to upgrade and later run the four airports.
“Among the few probable investors that have been quoted so far, Lagan Group has shown serious intentions of redeveloping these airports since they toured the infrastructure and they have already secured funds to the tune of $150 million from HSBC bank for the projects,” he said.
Mr Kasolo said in collaboration with the Central Government, the provincial administration in Luapula was considering the proposal by the construction firm to ensure that works of the project began around the first quarter of 2015.
“We expect all the documentation from Lagan to be ready by this month end and this would be followed by the formation of a local technical committee to spearhead the projects,” he said.
The Government wanted to give the four airports a new lease of life to increase flight traffic and provide additional avenues of ferrying cargo.
“Mansa airports will be given an extended life of 40 years without maintenance, while the runway at Kawambwa aerodrome will be increased by 2.5 kilometres as they also put up modern infrastructure at Samfya airport and Kashikishi aerodrome,” he said.
Mr Kasolo said the development would also be key to unlocking the tourism potential of Luapula Province as it would lead to the construction of facilities such as modern hotels.