Government to tackle congestion at KIA

By
Benjamin Mensah, GNA
    

Accra, July 16, GNA – The Ministry of Aviation
has initiated discussions with some allied Ministries for an integrated
transport mode and alternatives to manage and address congestion at the Kotoka
International Airport (KIA).

Sector Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah mentioned
some of the allied Ministries as the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Road
and Highways, Ministry of Railways Development, the Ministry of Interior and
the Ministry of Defence, among others.

Answering questions related to the Sector, in
Parliament, on Monday, the Minister explained that the move is in response to
the anticipated rise in passenger numbers as a result of an upcoming opening of
the airport’s Terminal 3.

Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP from Adaklu, had
sought to know from the Minister whether the Ministry of Aviation and its
relevant agencies are taking steps to provide adequate space for the
development of an integrated bus and train terminal at the KIA to enhance
access to the airport.

Madam Dapaah gave an assurance that improving
access to the KIA is an integral part of ensuring a seamless air travel in the
country; and explained that per the Masterplan of the KIA, a parcel of land has
been earmarked for inter-modal transport.

“The Ministry through the Ghana Airport
Company Limited (GACL) intends to partner investors to undertake the
development of an integrated bus and train terminal on the earmarked land
through Public Private Partnership,” the Minister said.

In a related development, Madam Dapaah
announced that rehabilitation works on the Sunyani Airport is expected to be
completed by the fourth quarter of 2019 to pave way for the recommencement of
commercial operations.

Her response came at the back of a question
from Mr Ali Maiga Halidu, MP for Dormaa West, who wanted to know when the
Sunyani Airport will be re-opened for public use as the closure is hampering
economic activities in the region.

Madam Dapaah recalled that commercial
operations at the airport ceased in March 2016 as a result of the poor nature
of the airfield pavement, in addition to other challenges.

The Ministry, through the GACL, the Minister
said, has initiated steps for the rehabilitation of the runway, and has planned
for its extension, in addition to tackling encroachment of the airport land.

The scope of work, the Minister said, includes
the modeling and designing of the existing Terminal Building, design of the
railway, link taxiway, passenger apron and all associated ancillary facilities
as well as rehabilitation of existing passenger apron to accommodate two
aircraft type designated for use by the Aerodrome Reference Code 3C and
existing link taxiway.

GNA

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