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Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo yesterday announced boards for the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and Air Zimbabwe.
The two parastatals had gone for close to eight months without boards.
Dr Gumbo appointed Professor Chipo Dyanda as Air Zimbabwe board chairperson and Mr Edmund Makona has been confirmed chief executive officer.
He had acted since 2013.
Dr Gumbo said the CAAZ board would continue without a board chairperson as Government was still working on the issue.
The new CAAZ board comprises Mr Thembinkosi Magwalimba (vice chairperson) and board members; Retired Brigadier General Elasto Madzingira, Ms Caroline Mathonsi, Mr Joseph Jambo and Mrs Pamela Maringire.
Dr Gumbo said the names of the CAAZ chairperson and other board members with requisite aviation expertise would be announced in due course when consultations would have been completed.
“The board is mandated to support Government and Ministry efforts in the separation of CAAZ into a Regulatory Authority and an airports company, instil high standard of corporate governance and ensure the completion and handover of Victoria Falls International Airport.
“The board is also expected to institute development plans for Harare International Airport in an endeavour to turn it into a Regional Hub. Similar development efforts are called for at Buffalo Range Airport as we compliment the Gonarezhou Tourism efforts,” he said.
Dr Gumbo said the new board was also expected to ensure viability of CAAZ as currently the authority was operating in deficit.
“Our expectation is therefore to see an increase in revenue collections.
“To the board I say the issues at hand are not insurmountable, but call for your diligence, commitment and being receptive to the new initiatives and ideas. You are requested to work as a team for the benefit of the authority and the Ministry will render you all the necessary support in the endeavours to improve the performance of the authority,’’ he said.
Dr Gumbo said Government was working on establishing a partner to assist in the rehabilitation of Air Zimbabwe, but said he would give more details when the deal would have been concluded.
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