The Government has unveiled its plans to start construction and expansion of Kisumu Airport at a cost of Ksh 2.9 billion to bring it to international standards
The project to be undertaken by China Overseas Engineering Group Co. {COVEC} Ltd will take twenty-two months.
Speaking during a stakeholder's consultative meeting at a hotel in Kisumu town to chart the way forward, Minister for transport Ali Chirau Mwakwere asked those claiming ownership of the land earmarked for extension to seek redress regarding their compensation with the Ministry of lands.
He said Kisumu was one of the Airports earmarked for development alongside the expansion of Jomo Kenya international Airport.
Speaking at the same function local members of parliament Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o and Alago Aluoch supported the project, saying it would enhance the economic development of the area and ensure Kisumu regains its place as a hub of economic activity in the East African region.
Prof. Nyong'o, who is also Minister for Medical Services, said the project should not be frustrated through endless bickering and assured the aggrieved people that their issues would be addressed by the Minister for lands.
The chairman of Kenya Airports Authority Eng. Erastus Mwongera and its Managing Director George Muhoho said the Authority has a title deed for the land in question and would be handing over the project to the contractor to commence his works on the 15th of these months.
Under the expansion program the Airport's runway is to be extended to 3000m, new terminals and Aprons constructed to accommodate larger Aircrafts including the Boeings.
Present was also Minister for lands Gonzi Rai who said a national land policy was being prepared to help address persistent land wrangles in the country.
++++++++++++++++++++
Written By:claire wanja/KNA
Posted: Sat, Jun 07, 2008
No comments:
Post a Comment