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Freeman Razemba, Senior Reporter
THE Government has installed an ultra-modern air traffic control (ATC) communications system and Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) worth nearly US$5 million at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA), for more effective communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft in the national airspace.
The ATC systems comprise nine very high frequency radio repeater stations in the lower airspace at Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Masvingo, Gokwe, Mutorashanga, Mutare, Kariba and Buffalo Range, as well as seven airport systems at Harare, Charles Prince, Kariba, JM Nkomo, Masvingo, Buffalo Range and Hwange.
They include voice communication controlled switching systems and associated radios, including voice recorders.
On the other hand, the upper airspace frequencies are hosted via a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) system for high reliability. The equipment was installed by China Harbour Engineering Company, the Contractor for the Communication Systems.
Speaking after commissioning the equipment of behalf of President Mnangagwa yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said aviation infrastructure had been refurbished, expanded and modernised towards the full implementation of Zimbabwe’s Open Skies Policy.
“Firstly, allow me to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa for trusting me in launching this system on his behalf.
“We remain guided by the wise counsel of President Mnangagwa as we locate the aviation sector on its right position in the broad scheme of Zimbabwe’s developmental agenda in our quest to fulfil the targets contained in the country’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1),” he said.
He said last year on May 29, they commissioned the First Phase of this project, to enhance and modernise the Air Space Management Systems.
They commissioned the Doppler Very-High-Frequency Omni Directional Range and Distance Measuring Equipment (DVOR/-DME): the ground-based Air Navigational Aids with high-level aptitudes to transmit Omni-directional signals which enable aircraft to determine their bearing, relative to the location of the beacon.
“Today, is yet another day for us to look back and reflect on the achievements inspired by the Second Republic, under the able and astute leadership of our iconic leader, President Mnangagwa. Under his guidance, we have refurbished, expanded and modernised our aviation infrastructure towards the full implementation of the Open Skies Policy. Indeed, his vision is manifesting in this system which we are commissioning today.”
“I am delighted to draw your attention to this project which was carried out at a cost of US$4,89 million. Under this project, our airports and sites can now receive enhanced ground to air radio communication systems, for more effective communication between the Air Traffic Controllers and aircraft in our national airspace,” he said. He said the new communication systems were a cornerstone of aviation safety and provides comprehensive coverage in the Zimbabwean airspace, allowing Air Traffic Control to make contact with pilots at all levels of flight, which engender enhanced safety and regularity of flights.
Minister Mhona said as Zimbabwe readies herself to host the upcoming SADC Summit, his ministry was working tirelessly on key infrastructure projects in both the aviation and road transport sectors.
He assured visitors and stakeholders of the Government’s utmost dedication and commitment in ensuring their swift, comfortable and safe movement in the national skies and on the ground.
Maramba-Pfungwe Constituency legislator Cde Tichaona Karumazondo, who was representing the chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development, Cde Knowledge Kaitano, said they were happy with all infrastructural developments which were taking place in the country.
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