Mongu deserves a world-class airport

By MUBITA KATETE

SPECIAL Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment Jito Kayumba, says Mongu deserves a world-class airport, arguing that such an investment would unlock Western Province’s economic potential and contribute to the country’s broader national development.

Mr Kayumba said discussions on major infrastructure projects should not be confined to traditional economic centres, stressing that regions such as Western Province equally deserve modern transport infrastructure capable of driving growth.

“Places like Mongu in the Western Province don’t just need a modern, world-class airport, they absolutely deserve one,” he said.

Mr Kayumba said that an international-standard airport would significantly boost tourism by improving access to some of the country’s premier attractions, including the Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony, the Zambezi floodplains and Liuwa Plain National Park.

According to Mr Kayumba, a world-class airport would allow direct flights for international and regional tourists, turning Mongu into a thriving tourism destination rather than a hard to reach outpost.

He said improved air connectivity would integrate the province into the national and regional economy by reducing travel times and creating new opportunities for businesses, agro-processors and entrepreneurs.

Mr Kayumba said its agriculture and livestock sectors would also benefit from improved cargo services, making it easier to transport high-value products to domestic and international markets.

“A fully equipped airport with dedicated cargo handling would mean faster, more efficient movement of high-value goods,” he said.