adminAuxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO City Council is demanding more than $4,000 from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) for the use of their fire tender by the latter during President Mugabe’s visit to Bulawayo last December.
President Mugabe had come to officiate at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) graduation ceremony.
CAAZ engaged the local authority to waive the $4,627,98 that it charged for the services of its fire tender but council refused.
The CAAZ had to seek an additional fire engine as the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is operating with just one fire tender.
According to the latest council report, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport manager, Passmore Dewa wrote to council requesting a write off of the bill.
Dewa indicated that the terminal was operating with one fire tender which forced them to seek more services from the city Fire Brigade.
“On the 17th of December 2014, His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe visited Bulawayo City to officiate at the Nust Graduation Ceremony. JM Nkomo Airport is operating with one fire tender which is inadequate for B737/A320 type of aircraft. The Presidential flight (Boeing 767) has two categories higher than the cover at the airport, hence the need to request for additional fire cover from Bulawayo City Fire Brigade for the national event. It is with the above that your authority is sought to waive the standby charge for the Presidential flight. Attached is a pro forma invoice for $4,627,98,” wrote Dewa.
Financial Director Kimpton Ndimande said it was the duty of the CAAZ to provide adequate services for its operations.
“It’s my view that the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has an obligation to provide the necessary cover for all types of aircraft, including the Boeing 767, allowed to land at the airport.
It is evident that the company went out to outsource due to its failure to provide adequate cover. I suggest that the charges shouldn’t be waived,” said Ndimande.
Health Services director, Dr Zanele Hwalima, seconded Ndimande in turning down the request by the CAAZ.
“I don’t support the request. It’s my opinion that the Civil Aviation Authority should make a provision in their budget to ensure that all types of planes landing at the airport have adequate fire tender coverage in place,” said Dr Hwalima.
The local authority said in the past, the airport had requested for assistance whenever they faced cover challenges and such assistance had always been extended to them at a cost.
Council resolved to turn down the CAAZ request.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo