Construction of KKIA on course
By ANNIE ZULU
THE construction of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) has reached an advanced stage, with 64 percent of the work done, Parliament heard yesterday.
Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela told the House in his ministerial statement yesterday that the construction of KKIA by China Jiangxi Corporation for International and Technical Cooperation Zambia Limited was on course and would ensure to that the works were completed on time.
“Government considers this project as a very important key component to our efforts to expand and modernize the infrastructure base of Zambia and ultimately transform the country into a transport hub in the region and beyond,
“So we are well on our way to meet the target of October 20, 2019 as the completion date for the design and construction of the KKIA which commenced on April 21, 2015,” Mr Chitotela said.
He further told parliament that Government was making significant investment in the construction of the airport, as it was of tremendous national importance.
The Minister also mentioned that no variations had been made so far to the infrastructure and that the contract sum remained US$360 million.
“We will continue to manage the project efficiently to ensure that we remain on track financially and technically,” he said.
And Mr Chitotela said that 300 permanent jobs would be created for the youth after the airport was completed.
The Minister was responding to PF Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili who wanted to know how many jobs were expected to be created once construction was completed.