Japanese envoy impressed with KIA expansion works
Japanese Ambassador Satoshi Iwakiri says he is impressed by the Japan-funded expansion and renovation works at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe.
Speaking on Wednesday when he toured the airport to appreciate the recently completed project, Iwakiri said the new terminal buildings as well as the renovation works on existing infrastructure have helped improve the condition and capacity of the airport to accommodate more passengers.
The renovation has seen new terminal buildings constructed and the existing passenger terminal building upgraded, among other developments.
Said Iwakiri: “I am very impressed by the work that has been done, and seeing that the new structures and the equipment has already fixed a lot of challenges at the airport. The airport was a priority for our assistance to Malawi as a way of contributing to Malawi’s development.”
He said his government also has plans to build the capacity of the airport staff to enable them operate the equipment that has been installed.
“My government’s assistance on the project is to ensure that passengers are having a comfortable experience at the nation’s biggest airport,” said Iwakiri.
KIA commandant Donnie Chimtengo said in an interview the project has greatly improved the operations of the airport and the experience of passengers.
“This project has greatly improved the capacity of the airport as we are now able to accommodate as many passengers as possible. The construction of the new terminal buildings and the renovation of the existing building has tripled our capacity,” he said.
The project to expand and rehabilitate the airport was funded with a grant aid from Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to the tune of K25 billion.
The project has seen, among other things, two international, and one domestic passenger terminal buildings constructed, renovation of the existing passenger terminal and installation of new equipment such as aircraft surveillance system and control tower elevator.
