Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE upgrading of the Grand Reef Airport is now 68 percent complete, with the contractor expressing optimism that it will be ready for operations next Tuesday, as renovation and construction works gain momentum ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo set for early September.
In an interview on the sidelines of the tour of the facility and concurrent road works in Mutare, yesterday (Thursday), Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona, said the Second
Republic’s infrastructure development drive will, not only transform the city, but also strategically positioning the province as a hub of tourism and trade.
He said the airport’s rehabilitation is part of a broader basket of projects being undertaken in Manicaland to prepare the province for the Expo, and improve long-term accessibility.
“In the Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, we are witnessing great wonders and exploits. Three years ago, Grand Reef was just a bush area, but today we are seeing progress towards a functional airport that will boost tourism and connectivity. This transformation reflects the work ethic and commitment of the Second Republic to deliver on its promises,” said Minister Mhona.
He outlined a list of parallel projects already underway in the province, which he said are progressing well.
“The Christmas Pass Bypass Road — a long-awaited project — is now underway and progressing according to schedule. This 31,2-kilometre road, which includes three interchanges, is expected to be completed within the next 13 months, as assured by the contractor. Upon completion, the road will be handed over to Government.
“In addition, plans are underway to widen the bridge near Sakubva Flyover to alleviate congestion. Meanwhile, feasibility studies at Forbes Border Post have been completed, paving the way for the expansion works aimed at enhancing efficiency at this critical trade gateway,” said Minister
Mhona, adding that feasibility studies for the new airport, to be constructed in Mutasa South, are also complete.
He also said preparations at Mutare Sports Club and Pavilion Grounds for the tourism Expo are nearing completion.
“All these projects speak to the bigger vision of improving accessibility and positioning Manicaland as a major player in Zimbabwe’s tourism and economic landscape. We are, not just preparing for an event, we are building lasting infrastructure that will serve generations to come,” said Minister Mhona.
He stressed that the Grand Reef Airport project, alongside other ongoing initiatives, symbolise Zimbabwe’s march towards modern infrastructure underpinned by peace, stability, and visionary leadership.
“Today, we are transforming a space once used by colonisers to wage war across the border into a beacon of tourism, connectivity, and economic growth. This is how the Second Republic changes the narrative from one of destruction to one of construction and opportunity,” he said.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, also expressed her ministry’s excitement at the progress, while emphasising the symbiotic connection of tourism and infrastructure.
“This airport means accessibility, and once you have accessibility to an attraction or facility, it means business will boom since the sector is already contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The sector’s growth can be accelerated through the accessibility of all the attractions throughout the country.
“Therefore, this airport is going to facilitate access to Manicaland, and all the attractions in the province. Tourism cannot flourish without accessibility, and what we are witnessing today is a demonstration of
Government’s commitment to ensuring that our attractions are reachable by road, air, and rail,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She said beyond the airport, Government had also made strides in resuscitating passenger rail services for the Expo.
“We are excited that a passenger train from Harare to Mutare will be operational during the Sanganai World Tourism Expo. This is about giving visitors multiple access routes to Manicaland and showcasing to the world that Zimbabwe is open for tourism and investment,” she said.
The Grand Reef Airport rehabilitation contract was awarded to The Gap Company, whose representative, Mr Shadowlit Sidija Ndou, confirmed that construction is progressing as planned, with the project having reached 68 percent completion.
“Our main focus has been on the terminal buildings, offices, and the runway, including clearing vegetation around the radar. An additional scope of work was added to widen the apron by three metres. The terminal building is now being roofed, and we expect to complete that within four days. We are confident that all critical works will be finished within the required timeframe,” said Mr Ndou.
Air Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Engineer Edmund Makona said the airline has already secured an ATR42-500 aircraft to service the Harare-Mutare route during the Expo.
“Our mandate is to provide safe and reliable air transport services that promote social development, trade, investment, and tourism. We have engaged both the manufacturer and the leaser (of the ATR42-500) to ensure its compatibility with this aerodrome, and I am pleased to confirm that the aircraft has been cleared for operations,” said Engineer Makona, adding that demonstration flights will begin on September 7, with full operations running until September 14.
“This will, not only serve the Expo, but also give us the opportunity to test the market with the view of making the Harare-Mutare route permanent. We also intend to connect Mutare with Victoria Falls via Harare, and in future, explore routes to Beira, Buffalo Range, and Kariba, given the clear demand for such connections,” he added.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) director-general, Mr George Mashababe said his organisation’s role is to ensure safety certification of the airport facilities.
“Our experts have been working with the contractor and other teams on the ground. At this stage, our mandate is, not to fully certify the aerodrome, but to assess whether it meets minimum requirements for use during the Expo. If it does, we will issue a waiver allowing operations within that window,” he said.
Mr Mashababe said, while the airport is still on the margins for the ATR42-500 aircraft, preliminary assessments indicated that it will be able to handle operations during the Expo.
“Of course, more extensive works will be required after the Expo to ensure long-term viability, but we are satisfied with the progress, and optimistic that the Grand Reef Airport will serve its purpose from the expo and beyond,” he said.
