Transport
Government Restructures Air Transport Industry
September 17, 2024 / Wahard Betha
By Wahard Betha
The Malawi Government through the Ministry of Transport and Public Works says it has begun restructuring the country’s air transport industry, which includes the establishment of an airport operator which has been set to be operated and managed by Airport Development Limited (ADL) under the Ministry.
The 2024 Annual Economic Report published by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs explains that the mandate of ADL was extended to assume responsibility of all public aerodromes with expectations to complete the process by October 30,2024.
It reads: “The Department of Civil Aviation will further be restructured to be responsible for aviation policy in the Ministry.”
“The process of restructuring will result in the movement of human resources to where their skills and capabilities best fit and will be utilized most effectively and efficiently.”
It also says Malawi has initiated Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) with Kuwait, Uganda and Mozambique, which should result in the introduction of additional flights between Malawi and the aforementioned countries.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is undertaking various projects in the air transport industry including: Development of the New Mzuzu Airport; Essential Aviation Safety Equipment Upgrade; Rehabilitation of Mzuzu Airport Resources and; Upgrade of Aviation Safety Resources.
The report, however, says the air transport industry is still encountering challenges including forex shortages and the unintended effects of devaluation.
It reads: “The scarcity of forex has compromised the attractiveness of the Malawi market to airlines as they face challenges to remit their proceeds from Malawi.”
“Government will continue to have dialogue with the airlines and other key stakeholders to ensure that airlines are able to remit their proceeds.
Apart from the air transport industry, the report also highlights some of the major activities in the railways sub-sector which include the ongoing design, upgrade and rehabilitation of the Marka – Bangula railway line, which were significantly affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy considering that most of these are currently being implemented in the southern region which was heavily affected.
Other ongoing projects in the rail subsector includes; rehabilitation of the Nkaya-Salima-Lilongwe-Mchinji Railway Section (399km); Construction of the Ruo Breakaway Rail/Road Bridge Construction works for the Ruo Breakaway Rail/Road Bridge on the Makhanga to Sandama railway section; Construction of a Rail Network to the North of Malawi and; Railway Operations Training Programme.
The ministry responsible plans to complete works for the construction of the Marka-Bangula railway in the 2024/25 financial year.
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Rehabilitation:
The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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