Tanzania has said approximately sh. 37 billion ($13.57M) have been used to repair and expand the infrastructure of the Songea airport, a step that will shape the increase in flights that will satisfy the market of air travelers in the Ruvuma region.

The statement was made by the Minister of Transport Prof. Makame Mbarawa when he inspected the compound and said the improvements are a catalyst that will help flights to take place every day of the week.

“The completion of this airport has caused our airline to start its regular flights. Air Tanzania now comes 3 times a week, we wished it would come more often after three times, maybe we should make it start five times a week but then it will start coming every day” said Mbarawa .

Despite that, Minister Mbarawa has said that for now the people will continue to use the small passenger building while the Government continues the process of building a modern passenger building that will be able to provide better services to the people that will be in line with the status of the complex.

For his part, Ruvuma Regional Commissioner Colonel Ahmed Abbas Ahmed has thanked the Government for strengthening the transport sector in the region and continuing to give priority to the implementation of projects under the ministry.

And the manager of the compound, Dustan Komba, said that the areas that have been improved include the runway and from the height of 1600 meters to 1860 meters, the installation of pilot lights to enable the aircraft to land within 24 hours.

Other improvements include a facility to receive energy in terms of water and electricity, in a power line with a voltage of 33 kilowatts and asphalt that meets standards and criteria and has sufficient infrastructure for aircraft landing.