Three-month delay to Tamale airport completion
The first phase of the project consists of extending the runway from the current 2,480 metres to about 3,940 metres, and the installation of a complete lighting system to accommodate bigger aircraft so as to serve as the country’s second international airport.
It is supposed to serve as an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The project is being undertaken by Brazilian company Geiroz Galvao Construction – the same company working on the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra – with funding from the Brazilian government.
A visit by Transport Minister Dzifa Attivor revealed that work on the runway has delayed due to deposits of clay soil discovered by the contractors, which required a considerable amount of time to excavate.
Mrs Attivor paid a working visit to the Tamale Airport with management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and other stakeholders in the sector this week.
The Transport Minister expects the timelines for completion of the project to be met and enable Hajj pilgrims fly direct from Tamale so as to reduce cost.
No additional cost
“I will not accept any additional cost because the project has already been revised for the final date scheduled,” she said.
The minister encouraged people within the northern belt to tap into potential of the north to transact business and improve their livelihoods, which will go a long way in reducing poverty.
Ruben Claudio O. Weto, Project manager for Queiroz Galvao, said the first phase of the project was in its last stages but due to the technical hitch had to delay for a while. He noted that 90 percent of workers on-site are locals employed by the company.
He stressed that measures had been taken to ensure smooth operation of the domestic planes which have been helping to boost business in the region and attract investors.
Charles Kwame Asare, Managing Director Ghana Airport Company Limited, urged the contractor to speed-up work to meet the deadline while ensuring quality work.
Mr Asare said improving the existing airport infrastructure is key to government, because it will attract more investors and boost the economy of the area.
He added that Phase II will involve the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the area within the hangar. According to the manager, the start date for Phase II of the project will be announced in due course
Mr Asare said the aviation industry has maintained its fares despite an increase in fuel prices.
