Solar project for Vic Falls airport

Published: 12 March 2018

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is considering proposals from prospective investors who have expressed interest to establish a solar farm around the Victoria Falls International Airport to power it by solar energy and allow the excess to be fed into the national grid.

Dubbed "the game changer", the upgraded Victoria Falls International Airport is set to join the list of other popular green airports around the world with the planned solar farm project.

The development will mean that the airport will be powered by the clean solar energy in line with international best practices.

CAAZ Director Airports Mr Tawanda Gusha said the authority is in the process of considering the unsolicited bids from investors, adding that the pilot project will give guidance on how the concept can be replicated at other airports across the country.

"We have received several unsolicited bids for a solar farm. Yes we are considering the bids with a view to engage the partner so that this airport becomes a green airport," said Mr Gusha.

Meanwhile, the domestic aviation body says it is finalising the tendering process for the electric fencing project to be implemented at this airport.

Potential bidders had a site visit last Friday to get an appreciation of the scope of work. The electric fencing of this facility will ensure that problem animals like elephants have no access to the runway.

"We want to electrify the fence so that we keep away problem animals. Tender is closing on 27 of March and we expect that within a month or so, we would have concluded the contract with the identified supplier," added Mr Gusha.

The Zimbabwean government has committed itself to modernise all the airports with a view to facilitate travel and promote tourism.

The investment in airport infrastructure upgrade is already yielding desired result with passenger traffic at this airport on an upward trend.

- zbc

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