Japan donates K18.4bn for KIA air navigation services

The Japanese government, through Japan International Corporation Agency (Jica), and Malawi government yesterday signed a K18.4 billion grant for radar air navigation services at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe.

Speaking after the signing ceremony held at Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Jica resident representative Kazuhiko Tokuhashi said air transport plays a vital role for a landlocked country like Malawi because it helps boost both trade and external relations.

“An improvement of air transport is required to enhance passenger and cargo movements and promote tourism industries and to increase exports of agricultural products,” he said.

According to Tokuhashi, the project is expected to significantly contribute to the improvement in air navigation services and security at the airport.

In his remarks, Ministry of Transport and Public Works Principal Secretary Moffat Chitimbe said the signing ceremony marked the beginning of another chapter in the cordial relations between Malawi and Japan.

“Our airports and air navigation facilities in Malawi require rehabilitation and upgrading to improve air safety and remain above minimum safety requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation [Icao],” he said.

Chitimbe assured Japan that government will ensure that equipment procured using the funds will be looked after properly. n