New CB Airport at 78p.c. completion

THE New Copperbelt International Airport in Ndola will be completed and handed over to Government early next year, says Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe. Initially, the $397 million project was supposed to be completed in December this year, but the date had been rescheduled due to delays caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 Mr Nundwe however indicated that construction works were progressing well and currently at 78 percent in terms of completion. The Permanent Secretary indicated that works were going on smoothly despite some challenges including the COVID-19 outbreak. Mr Nundwe said in an interview, both the main and sub-contractors at the construction site were working. He also urged all the workers at the construction site to adhere to the COVID-19 preventive measures in order to safeguard their lives. The project located on a 2000 hectares site Northwest of Ndola, will initially be capable of handling one million passengers per annum. AVIC International started construction in 2017 and the facility will have with a 50-roomed luxury hotel, a new fire and rescue service station and a cargo terminal. Other facilities are aircraft maintenance hangar, airport fuel farm and three aero bridges. Recently, Vice President Inonge Wina said the New Copperbelt International Airport would be a game changer for the region’s trade, investment and Tourism. She directed the contractor to fully actualise the resettlement plan for people that will be moved from the site of the new airport before the project was completed and handed over to Government.