.Mukanga

By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –

EXPORT-Import Bank of China (Exim bank) has released an initial payment of US$108 million for the construction of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, which is expected to be completed by 2018.
The upgrade of the KKIA will cost $360 million which would be financed by the Exim Bank of China through a loan facility signed by the Government.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said the Exim Bank of China had released the money for the construction of the KKIA.
The minister said the airport would be upgraded by China Jiangxi International.
“We are looking at the programme of works and we have told the contractor that the programme of works should be handed in by Friday because we want to have a programme other than just working, so that we can review it,” he said.
The new airport would contain a new two-story terminal building, including 22 check-in counters, 12 border channels and six security check counters; a presidential terminal, a new air traffic control building and tower.
It would also include a new Zambia Airport Corporation office, shops complex and a hotel, among others.
Mr Mukanga said significant progress had been attained regarding the KKIA project following the thorough review of the architectural designs.
“Currently, about 95 per cent of the drawings have already been done but out of those , we have the Rescue and Fire Appliance Bay which is done and we have a VIP lounge site which has been done also,” he said.
Mr Mukanga said there were other challenges that needed to be worked on, adding that once the money was pushed into the China Jiangxi International account, a lot of progress would be made.
“Most of the issues that were affecting construction were issues of understanding and ensuring the contractor does its part,” Mr Mukanga said.
Mr Mukanga said the funds for the construction of the KKIA were intact and that they would be transferred directly into China Jiangxi International’s account.
“The money will be released directly into the contractors account from Exim Bank of China… it’s not coming from the ministry to the contractor even when we signed a loan, the money moves from Exim Bank of China to the contractor and what we want is to see the results,” he said.
The new KKIA once completed will be a showpiece in the region competing with the likes of Oliver R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa.