Parliament authorises K14bn loan amid disgruntled voices over state of Mzuzu airport

Parliament on Monday authorised the government to borrow K14 billion to upgrade aviation security systems at Kamuzu International Airport and Chileka Airport in Lilongwe and Blantyre respectively.

However, most members of parliament from the northern region took the government to task over the state of Mzuzu airport, accusing the government of abandoning the facility.

Chitipa South MP Welani Chilenga said if upgraded, Mzuzu airport should be a busy place as tourists can take advantage of the air transport to visit exciting tourism places in the northern region.

However, minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe said the government wants to construct a new airport in Mzuzu as the current one lies in the heart of the city and is very dangerous.

He said the problem is that people in Mzuzu are not agreeing on a site for a new airport in the north.

Gondwe said as soon as the site for a new airport is identified, the government would construct the airport immediately.

However, some legislators from Zomba also asked the government why it was not upgrading aviation systems at Zomba airport.

After the heated debate, parliament finally authorised the government to borrow the K14 billion from European Investments Bank.